Cheese Danishes

Flaky, buttery pastry wrapped around a rich, sweet cream cheese filling—Cheese Danishes are a classic pastry-shop treat that are surprisingly simple to make at home. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these delightful pastries bring indulgence to any occasion. With their golden, crisp finish and creamy center, they are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Using store-bought puff pastry saves time without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Filling: Customize the sweet cream cheese filling with your favorite flavors or add fruit jams.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for brunches, parties, or simply enjoying with coffee at home.
• Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling creates a heavenly treat.
• Impressive Presentation: These pastries look stunning, making them perfect for impressing guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of Cheese Danishes, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Knife or pizza cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for even baking and easy transfer to the oven.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Pastry
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (from a 17 oz package)
1 egg, for egg wash
1 tablespoon water*

For the Filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon lemon zest, optional

For the Glaze (optional)
½ cup powdered sugar
2–3 teaspoons milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract*

How to Make Cheese Danishes

Step 1: Prepare Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a floured surface. Cut it into 6 equal squares using a knife or pizza cutter.

Step 2: Make Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Shape Danishes

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the corners towards the center of each square, pinching lightly to seal. Alternatively, you can shape them into pinwheels or leave them open for a rustic look.

Step 4: Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat the egg together with 1 tablespoon of water. Use this mixture to brush the exposed edges of the pastries for a golden finish after baking.

Step 5: Bake

Place your shaped pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze (Optional)

Once cooled, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over your cooled danishes for an added touch of sweetness.

Enjoy your homemade Cheese Danishes fresh out of the oven! They can be stored in the refrigerator for later enjoyment; simply reheat at 300°F for about 8–10 minutes.

How to Serve Cheese Danishes

Cheese Danishes are delightful pastries that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these treats can be served plain or dressed up with accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Apples: Add thin apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon for a sweet and savory pairing.

With Coffee or Tea

• Espresso: The boldness of espresso complements the sweetness of Cheese Danishes perfectly.
• Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea can cleanse the palate and add a soothing element to your treat.

As Part of a Breakfast Spread

• Yogurt Parfait: Pair with a yogurt parfait layered with granola and fruit for added texture and nutrition.
• Smoothie Bowl: Offer a smoothie bowl on the side filled with fruits and seeds to create a balanced breakfast.

How to Perfect Cheese Danishes

Perfecting Cheese Danishes is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your pastries turn out delicious every time.

• Chill the Pastry: Keep your puff pastry cold before baking for maximum flakiness.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cream cheese and vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the danishes; this helps them puff up nicely without spilling out.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on them while baking; slight variations in oven temperature can affect doneness.
• Let Them Cool: Allow danishes to cool slightly before adding glaze; this prevents it from melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Cheese Danishes

Cheese Danishes can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors or add contrast. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing balance to the rich pastry.
2. Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and pairs well with any creamy filling.
3. Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt provides a tangy contrast that works well with sweet pastries.
4. Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs create a satisfying savory balance alongside sweet danishes.
5. Vegetable Sticks: Crisp vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers offer a crunchy, healthy addition.
6. Mixed Nuts: A handful of mixed nuts provides protein and crunch, making for a more filling snack option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cheese Danishes can be fun and rewarding, but avoiding common mistakes will help ensure your pastries turn out perfectly.

• Using cold pastry: Cold puff pastry does not expand well. Always allow it to thaw completely for a flaky texture.
• Overfilling the danishes: Adding too much filling may cause leaks during baking. Stick to about 1 tablespoon of filling per pastry.
• Skipping the egg wash: An egg wash gives the danishes a beautiful golden color. Always brush the pastry edges before baking for that perfect finish.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before placing the danishes inside.
• Ignoring chilling time: Chilling the assembled pastries helps the layers separate better while baking. Refrigerate them for at least 10 minutes before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheese Danishes

• Wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Cheese Danishes

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F and bake for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 30 seconds at a time until warm, but be cautious as this may make them soggy.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally to warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheese Danishes.

Can I use a different cheese for the filling?

Yes! You can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms on my Cheese Danishes?

Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed, and avoid overfilling them. Baking on parchment paper also helps with airflow.

Can I make these Cheese Danishes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

What variations can I try with Cheese Danishes?

You can add fruit jams or fresh fruits on top of the cream cheese filling or incorporate spices like cinnamon for added flavor.

Are Cheese Danishes suitable for breakfast?

Yes! They are delightful as a breakfast treat or a dessert after any meal.

Final Thoughts

Cheese Danishes are a delightful combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling that makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with various fillings or toppings. Don’t hesitate to try making these delicious treats at home!

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Cheese Danishes

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: Makes 6 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful world of homemade Cheese Danishes, where flaky, buttery puff pastry meets a rich, sweet cream cheese filling. These pastries are surprisingly simple to make and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, serving them at brunch, or treating yourself to a sweet dessert. With their golden crust and creamy center, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Customize the filling with your favorite flavors or fruit jams for a personal touch. Get ready to create a delicious treat that will elevate your baking game!

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Ingredients

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• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water
• Optional: ½ teaspoon lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly on a floured surface and cut it into 6 equal squares.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest; beat until smooth.
4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners towards the center and pinch to seal.
5. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush it over the exposed edges of the pastries.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg