Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that combines flaky, buttery dough with a creamy, sweet cheese filling. This homemade version is easier than you might think and perfect for breakfast or a special treat.

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)

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 mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Step 2: Gradually add 1/4 cup of cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Step 4: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into squares, approximately 4×4 inches.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Step 6: Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners of the square towards the center to create a pocket and pinch to seal.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over each Danish.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use cold butter for the dough to ensure a flaky pastry texture.
• Try adding fresh fruit like blueberries or raspberries to the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
• Allow the dough to chill for longer if it feels too soft to handle.
• For a glossy finish, brush the Danishes again with egg wash about 5 minutes before the end of baking.

Storage

Store leftover Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch?

Yes, frozen puff pastry can be a convenient substitute and will also yield a flaky and delicious Danish. Just thaw it according to package instructions before use.

How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking during baking?

Be sure to pinch the dough corners tightly to seal the filling inside. You can also chill the assembled Danishes for 10-15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.

Cheese Danish Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 107 reviews

This classic Cheese Danish recipe features a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a smooth and sweet cream cheese mixture. Perfectly golden and tender, these Danish pastries make an irresistible breakfast treat or elegant dessert that’s simple to prepare at home.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 Cheese Danish pastries 1x
• Category: Breakfast Pastry
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/4 cup of cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
3. Roll 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.
4. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
5. Fill and Fold Danish: Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners of the square towards the center forming a pocket, then pinch the corners gently to seal.
6. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk to create the egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the surface of each Danish to help them achieve a golden, glossy finish.
7. Bake: Bake the Danish pastries in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Keep your butter and water cold to ensure a flaky pastry texture.
• Do not overwork the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
• You can add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing on cooled Danish for extra sweetness.
• For variation, mix in lemon zest or fresh fruit preserves with the cream cheese filling.
• Store leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Cheese Danish, cream cheese pastry, breakfast pastry, homemade Danish, flaky pastry, sweet pastry