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Cheese Danish Recipe

A cheese danish is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a creamy, slightly tangy cheese filling and finished with a sweet glaze. The puff pastry crisps beautifully in the oven, creating a light texture that contrasts with the rich filling. This easy, bakery-style treat is perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 532 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Pastry brush

Ingredients
  

  • 1 batch of homemade puff pastry

Egg Wash

  • 2 tsp water
  • 1 large egg

Filling

  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ¾ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Glaze

  • 5 tbsp milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
    oven-preheating-to-the-perfect-temperature-with-baking-sheets-lined-and-ready
  • In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    This image shows an oven preheating to the ideal temperature while baking sheets are lined with parchment paper, ready for the cheese Danish pastries.
  • If using homemade puff pastry, divide it in half and roll one portion into a 12x12” square.
    This image shows a rolling pin smoothing out puff pastry dough to an even thickness, ensuring light and flaky layers for the cheese Danish.
  • For store-bought pastry, ensure it's divided into two sheets.
    This image shows puff pastry being cut into uniform squares, preparing them for shaping and filling in the next steps.
  • Cut the rolled pastry into four even squares and place them on a prepared baking sheet.
    This image shows evenly spaced puff pastry squares placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for the delicious filling.
  • Spoon about two tablespoons of filling into the center of each square.
    This image shows a spoonful of smooth cream cheese filling being placed in the center of each puff pastry square, ready for folding.
  • Fold the corners over the filling, leaving a small gap in the center and between folds.
    This image shows puff pastry squares being carefully folded to partially enclose the creamy filling, giving them their signature Danish shape.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together an egg and water to make an egg wash, then brush it generously over the pastries.
    This image shows a pastry brush delicately applying egg wash to each Danish, ensuring a shiny, golden-brown crust after baking.
  • Bake for 17-19 minutes until golden brown.
    This image shows a tray of cheese Danish pastries baking in the oven, their flaky layers rising and turning golden brown.
  • While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
    sweet-vanilla-glaze-being-gently-drizzled-over-freshly-baked-cheese-danish-2
  • Let the pastries cool before drizzling them with the glaze.
    freshly-baked-cheese-danish-resting-on-a-cooling-rack-for-the-perfect-texture-2
  • Repeat the steps for the second portion of puff pastry.
  • Serve and enjoy!
    perfectly-baked-cheese-danish-with-a-flaky-crust-and-creamy-filling-ready-to-enjoy-2

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • If using frozen puff pastry, work quickly, as it becomes sticky as it warms.
  • To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.