Cheese Danish

Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Cheese Danish, a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. With flaky, golden puff pastry enveloping a rich cream cheese filling, these pastries are both light and satisfying.

Simple to make and beautifully drizzled with a sweet glaze, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Treat yourself to this delicious classic that brings a touch of pastry shop elegance right to your kitchen!

Cheese Danish

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

1 box (17.3 oz or 320g) puff pastry, thawed

1 egg mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened

1 egg yolk, at room temperature

¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

⅛ teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C, 160°C fan). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a whisk or rubber spatula until smooth and well combined.

Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12×12-inch square on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into nine 4-inch squares using a pizza cutter or knife.

Shape the Pastry: Fold each corner of the squares about 1 inch toward the center, gently pressing to seal. This will create a little pocket for the filling.

Add the Filling: Place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Use a small cookie scoop for easy portioning.

Egg Wash: Prepare the egg wash by whisking together the egg and water in a small bowl. Brush the edges of each pastry surrounding the filling.

Bake: Bake the pastries for 16-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until they are golden brown and puffed. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, gradually mix together the powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Stir until you achieve a drizzleable consistency.

Glaze the Pastries: Once the pastries are cool, drizzle the glaze over each one.

Serve: Enjoy your homemade Cheese Danishes warm or at room temperature!

Tips:

You can add a bit of fruit jam or fresh fruit on top of the filling before baking for a fruity twist!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for a few days.

Enjoy baking!

Notes:

Puff Pastry:

Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling it out to avoid cracking. If it gets too warm while you’re working with it, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes.

Cream Cheese:

Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing. You can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds if you’re short on time.

Egg Wash:

For a shiny finish, make sure to brush the egg wash gently around the edges without letting it drip into the filling.

Filling Variations:

Feel free to customize the filling by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or even a bit of jam for extra flavor.

Storage:

Store any leftover Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen before baking for up to a month—just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Glaze Consistency:

Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner one, add more.

Baking Tips:

Make sure to rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on the pastries towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.

Serving Suggestions:

These pastries pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. Serve them warm or at room temperature for the best experience!

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

Yes! You can experiment with other soft cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone.

Just be aware that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

Can I make the Cheese Danish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and shape the pastries ahead of time.

Cover them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I know when the pastries are done baking?

The Cheese Danishes are done when they are golden brown and puffed.

If you tap the bottom gently, it should sound hollow.

Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning.

What can I do with leftover puff pastry?

You can use leftover puff pastry for various treats!

Consider making mini tarts, savory pastries, or cheese straws.

Just keep any unused dough wrapped tightly in the fridge or freezer.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month.

Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

What if my puff pastry tears while rolling it out?

Don’t worry! Simply press the torn edges back together and smooth them out.

Puff pastry is quite forgiving, and any imperfections will be less noticeable after baking.

Can I add fruit to the filling?

Yes! Adding small amounts of fresh fruit or fruit preserves can enhance the flavor.

Just be sure not to add too much liquid, as it can make the filling too runny.

What can I use instead of an egg wash?

If you prefer an egg-free option, you can brush the pastries with milk or a dairy-free alternative for a nice golden color.

You can also use a mixture of oil and water.

Is it necessary to chill the pastries before baking?

Chilling the shaped pastries for about 15-30 minutes before baking can help them hold their shape and puff up better in the oven, but it’s not strictly necessary.

What is the best way to glaze the pastries?

For an even drizzle, use a fork or a small squeeze bottle to apply the glaze.

If you want a thicker glaze, let it sit for a few minutes to set up before drizzling.

If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more milk to thin it out.