Cream Cheese Danishes are the ultimate treat for anyone craving a delightful combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a festive gathering, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is perfect for you. Did you know that a traditional Danish pastry has roots dating back to 19th-century Denmark, where bakers would use rich butter and yeast to create flaky layers? This recipe not only captures that rich history but also adds a modern twist with sugared cranberries and a buttery glaze that elevates these pastries to gourmet status.
| Yields | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 servings | 20 minutes | 25 minutes | 45 minutes | 320 calories |
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sugaring cranberries)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (for glaze)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Cranberries
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries and granulated sugar with enough water to cover. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cooking until the cranberries begin to pop. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then drain the cranberries and toss them in additional granulated sugar to coat. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be your delicious filling for the Cream Cheese Danishes.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into squares, approximately 4×4 inches. You should get about 12 squares, depending on how you roll and cut the dough.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On each pastry square, place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center. Then, fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a pocket, pinching the edges to seal.
Step 5: Add the Egg Wash
Brush the tops of the assembled pastries with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Danishes
Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
Step 7: Prepare the Butter Glaze
While the pastries are baking, prepare the butter glaze by mixing the melted butter, powdered sugar, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Set aside.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Once the pastries are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the butter glaze over the warm Danishes and top with the sugared cranberries. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your rich, indulgent treats!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrates | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Danish | 320 | 18g | 10g | 55mg | 250mg | 36g | 1g | 15g | 4g |
For a visual guide, watch this EASY Cheese Danish Recipe video!
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Shortcuts: To save time, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead of making your own filling.
- Fruit Toppings: Feel free to swap out cranberries for other fruits like cherry or blueberry for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pastries just before serving.
- Pairings: These Cream Cheese Danishes pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for brunch or afternoon snacks.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry Brush
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Storing Leftovers
For any leftover Cream Cheese Danishes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is cream cheese Danish made of?
A: Cream cheese Danishes are primarily made from a flaky pastry dough filled with a sweetened cream cheese mixture, often enhanced with vanilla and sometimes fruit toppings.
Q: Does baked cream cheese Danish need to be refrigerated?
A: While you can store baked cream cheese Danishes at room temperature for a couple of days, it’s best to refrigerate them if you plan to keep them longer than that.
Q: Why is cheese danish so good?
A: Cheese Danish is delightful due to its combination of flaky pastry, creamy, rich filling, and often a sweet glaze or fruit, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Q: Is the cheese danish from Starbucks sweet?
A: Yes, the cheese danish from Starbucks is sweet, featuring a sugary cream cheese filling that complements the buttery pastry.
FAQ Schema
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