Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

This Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweet cream cheese mixture. Topped with a simple vanilla glaze, these treats are perfect for breakfast or an elegant snack. Easy to prepare and delightful to eat!

Ingredients

• 1 17.3oz (320g) box puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 egg (+ 2 teaspoons water for egg wash)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 egg yolk (at room temperature)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (for icing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C if using a fan oven. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk or stir with a rubber spatula until smooth.
3. Step 3: Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12×12-inch square using a rolling pin.
4. Step 4: Cut the dough into nine 4-inch squares using a pizza cutter or a knife. Fold each corner of each square about 1 inch toward the center and press gently to seal.
5. Step 5: Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon), place a scoop of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square.
6. Step 6: Make the egg wash by whisking together one egg with 2 teaspoons of water. Brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash to help them brown nicely.
7. Step 7: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
8. Step 8: To prepare the icing, combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and a little vanilla extract in a bowl. Add the milk gradually to avoid the icing becoming too thin. Drizzle the icing over the cooled pastries.

Tips & Variations

• Use cold puff pastry and work quickly to keep it flaky and light.
• Swap lemon juice for orange juice or zest for a citrus twist in the filling.
• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or cinnamon on top before baking.
• Try using cream cheese mixed with a bit of mascarpone for a richer filling.

Storage

Store any leftover Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days, but let them come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh the pastry’s crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry without thawing?

It’s best to thaw puff pastry according to package instructions before using to ensure it rolls out evenly and bakes properly.

How can I make the icing thicker or thinner?

Add powdered sugar little by little to thicken the icing or add milk gradually to thin it until you reach your desired consistency.

Cheese Danish Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 84 reviews

This classic Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth and creamy sweetened cream cheese filling. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a delicate vanilla glaze, these delightful pastries make a perfect breakfast treat or dessert. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily make bakery-quality Cheese Danishes at home.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 9 Cheese Danishes 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Pastry
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 1 box (17.3 oz / 320 g) puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons water (for egg wash)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C if using a fan oven. Line a large cookie sheet or half-size sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Make the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. A rubber spatula or whisk works well for this step.
3. Roll out the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface or parchment paper, roll the thawed puff pastry into a 12-inch by 12-inch square, ensuring even thickness for consistent baking.
4. Cut and fold the pastry squares: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into nine equal 4-inch squares. Fold each corner of each square about 1 inch toward the center, gently pressing to adhere the corners together, creating a slight raised edge.
5. Fill the danishes: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, place a generous scoop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each folded pastry square.
6. Prepare the egg wash and brush: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 2 teaspoons of water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to carefully brush the edges of each pastry around the filling to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
7. Bake the danishes: Place the prepared danishes on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a rack before icing.
8. Make and drizzle the icing: In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Slowly add milk until the icing reaches a drizzling consistency—not too thin. Drizzle the icing over the cooled danishes for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smoother filling.
• Do not over-roll the puff pastry to prevent it from becoming tough.
• Keep an eye on the danishes during baking as puff pastry can brown quickly.
• The icing can be adjusted in thickness by adding milk gradually to avoid it becoming too runny.
• For extra flavor, zest of lemon can be added to the cream cheese filling.

Keywords: Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry, Cream Cheese Filling, Breakfast Pastry, Sweet Pastry