Cheese Danish Delight Recipe

Introduction

Cheese Danish Delight is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a smooth and sweet cream cheese mixture. Perfect for breakfast or an elegant snack, this homemade treat combines simple ingredients with easy steps to create bakery-worthy results right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• 1/4 cup cold water (approximately)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
2. Step 2: Gradually add about 1/4 cup cold water, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Step 4: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares roughly 4 by 4 inches.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough square. Fold the corners toward the center to form a pocket and pinch the edges to seal well.
7. Step 7: Whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush this egg wash over each Danish to give a golden finish.
8. Step 8: Bake on the prepared sheet for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flaky layers, chill the dough well before rolling and handle it as little as possible.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a flavor twist.
• Use fruit preserves instead of cream cheese for a different filling option.

Storage

Store leftover Cheese Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made puff pastry instead of making the dough?

Yes, pre-made puff pastry can be used as a shortcut. Just thaw it according to package instructions and fill with the cream cheese mixture. This will save time and still produce delicious results.

How do I prevent the corners from opening during baking?

Make sure to pinch the dough corners tightly around the filling and avoid overfilling. Brushing the edges with a bit of water before sealing can also help them stick better.

Cheese Danish Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

This Cheese Danish Delight recipe features a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a sweet and creamy cream cheese filling. Perfectly golden and tender, these danishes combine a simple homemade dough with a luscious cheese center, making a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 Cheese Danishes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup cold water

Cream Cheese Filling

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/4 cup of cold water, mixing just until the dough forms. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
2. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
3. Roll out and cut dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into approximately 4×4 inch squares for individual Danish pastries.
4. Make the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Fill and shape Danishes: Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough square. Fold the four corners of each square toward the center to create a pocket, then gently pinch the edges to seal the filling inside.
6. Apply egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush it evenly over each Danish to give them a beautiful golden finish when baked.
7. Bake: Arrange the prepared Danishes on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and puff slightly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use cold butter and water to ensure a flaky pastry texture.
• Do not overwork the dough to keep it tender.
• Chilling the dough helps it roll out smoothly and maintain shape during baking.
• The cream cheese filling can be flavored with a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest for a twist.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.

Keywords: Cheese Danish, Danish Pastry, Cream Cheese Dessert, Baked Pastry, Breakfast Pastry