Orange Danish Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Orange Danish Rolls are flaky, sweet pastries filled with a creamy orange-flavored cheese mixture. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these rolls offer a delightful combination of citrus zest and rich cream cheese, appealing to those who enjoy homemade baked goods with a fresh, tangy twist.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
  • 2 cans Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine cream cheese, sugar, and orange peel; mix until well blended.
  2. Unroll the crescent dough from cans and lay on a floured surface.
  3. Overlap the long edges of the dough to form a 13 x 7-inch rectangle, pressing all edges together to seal.
  4. Spread three-quarters of the cream cheese mixture over the dough rectangle, saving one-quarter for the icing.
  5. Roll up the dough starting at the long side, forming a jelly roll shape.
  6. Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch slices.
  7. Place the slices on a cookie sheet, cut side down, about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. You can substitute the cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter option, and if you don't have orange peel, lemon zest works well too. Make sure to seal the edges of the dough properly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Orange Danish Rolls are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. You could also drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and orange juice on top for extra sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Orange Danish Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Orange Danish Rolls contains roughly 224 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein.

224 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 19.1g 25% DV
Carbs 9.2g 3% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 4.4g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 292.8mg 13% DV
Potassium 139.8mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 60mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 202.2mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 9.9mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 52.9mg 4% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use puff pastry as an alternative to crescent dough for a flakier texture. Just make sure to adjust the baking time according to the puff pastry's instructions.

How can I make these rolls healthier?

To make the rolls healthier, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and cutting back on the sugar. You can also add nuts or dried fruits to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.

Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance, then assemble and bake them the next day. Just make sure to store the dough in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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