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Cheese Danish Delight Recipe

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4.4 from 57 reviews

Cheese Danish Delight is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a smooth and sweet cream cheese mixture. This recipe combines a homemade pastry dough with a luscious cream cheese filling, baked to golden perfection for a delicious breakfast treat or dessert.

Ingredients

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Pastry Dough

  • 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 all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Form the dough: Gradually add 1/4 cup of cold water, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking to keep the pastry flaky. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
  3. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  4. Roll and cut dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares approximately 4×4 inches in size.
  5. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble the Danishes: Spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each dough square. Fold the corners towards the center to form a pocket and pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside.
  7. Apply egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush this egg wash over each Danish to give a golden, shiny finish after baking.
  8. Bake: Place the prepared Danishes on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
  9. Cool and serve: Allow the Danishes to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving, so the filling sets a bit and the pastry remains crisp.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is very cold to help create a flaky pastry texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough once the water is added; overworking develops gluten and toughens the pastry.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial for easy rolling and better layers.
  • You can add lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrus twist.
  • If desired, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk after baking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Cheese Danish, Cream Cheese Pastry, Homemade Danish, Breakfast Pastry, Sweet Pastry

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/cheese-danish-delight-recipe/