Prepare the Danish Filling:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk for this step. Set aside.

Assemble the Danishes:

3. Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Instead of rolling them up, press each triangle into a flat rectangle, using your fingers to seal any perforations.
4. Fill the Dough: Spoon approximately 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each rectangle of dough. Gently spread the filling in the center, leaving some space around the edges.
5. Shape the Danishes: Carefully fold the corners of the dough over the filling to form a square or rectangular shape, leaving a small gap in the center for the filling to peek through. Pinch the edges to seal them, making sure the cream cheese filling stays inside.
6. Add the Egg Wash: Brush each danish with a light coating of the beaten egg. This will give the pastries a beautiful golden brown finish when baked.

Bake the Danishes:

7. Bake: Place the assembled danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is set.
8. Cool: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy:

9. Optional Toppings: Once the danishes have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch. You can also add a dollop of fruit jam or fresh berries on top for added flavor and color.
10. Cut and Serve: Slice the danishes into individual servings and serve them while they are still warm for the best texture and taste.