Cheese Danish
Cheese Danishes are a delightful pastry with flaky layers and a rich cream cheese filling that makes for an irresistible treat. By making them at home, you can enjoy a fresh, customized version of this classic bakery favorite any time.
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 box 17.3 oz or 320g puff pastry, thawed
- ▢ 1 egg + 2 teaspoons water for egg wash
For the Filling
- ▢ 8 ounces 225g cream cheese, softened
- ▢ 1 egg yolk at room temperature
- ▢ ¼ cup 30g powdered sugar
- ▢ 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ▢ ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze
- ▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
- ▢ 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C for a fan oven, and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper (I used a half-size sheet pan).
- To prepare the cheesecake filling, combine the cream cheese, egg yolk, powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Use a whisk or rubber spatula to mix everything together until smooth.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface using a rolling pin, forming a 12x12-inch square.
- Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into 9 squares, each measuring 4 inches. Then, fold each corner of each square about 1 inch toward the center and gently press to seal the folds.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, using a small (1 tablespoon) cookie scoop.
- Make the egg wash by whisking together the egg and water in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg wash around the edges of each pastry (all around the filling).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Once done, remove from the oven and let the pastries cool completely before adding the icing.
- For the icing, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Add the milk slowly to avoid making the icing too thin. Drizzle the icing over each cooled pastry.
Notes
It’s best to assemble and fill the danish directly on the baking sheet. This way, you avoid the risk of moving them from the counter to the tray, which could cause them to wrinkle or tip over.
Depending on your location or the brand of puff pastry you use, the size of your frozen puff pastry sheet may vary slightly. Just be sure to lightly roll out the sheet to smooth the creases and cut it into evenly sized squares.
Want to add some extra flavor? Try topping the pastries with chocolate chips or fresh berries before baking.
To Store: Keep these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Depending on your location or the brand of puff pastry you use, the size of your frozen puff pastry sheet may vary slightly. Just be sure to lightly roll out the sheet to smooth the creases and cut it into evenly sized squares.
Want to add some extra flavor? Try topping the pastries with chocolate chips or fresh berries before baking.
To Store: Keep these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.