Why You’ll Love These Cheese Danishes
- Made from Scratch: No store-bought shortcuts—just pure, homemade goodness.
- Buttery and Flaky: Made with a golden, tender pastry that melts in your mouth.
- Creamy Filling: The sweetened cream cheese center is smooth and luscious.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, like fruit preserves or a drizzle of glaze.
Tools You’ll Need
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or food processor
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Homemade Cheese Danishes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Flaky, buttery layers filled with a creamy cheese center make these Homemade Cheese Danishes an irresistible treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, these pastries are surprisingly simple to make, and the results are bakery-quality.
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Ingredients
For the Pastry Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup cold whole milk
- 1 large egg
For the Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon milk
Optional Toppings and Garnishes:
- Fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Vanilla glaze (made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg, then add to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
5. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Shape the Pastries
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
8. Cut the dough into 4-inch squares. Fold the corners of each square toward the center to create a diamond shape. Press lightly to secure.
Step 4: Fill and Brush
9. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling into the center of each pastry. If desired, add a small dollop of fruit preserves on top of the cheese.
10. Brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Step 5: Bake the Danishes
11. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
13. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a vanilla glaze for extra sweetness, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: Cold butter is essential for a flaky pastry. Keep the dough chilled throughout the process.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the pastries to overflow during baking.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Real butter and good-quality cream cheese make all the difference.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh the flakiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use puff pastry instead of making dough from scratch?
A: Yes! Store-bought puff pastry works as a quicker alternative. Just follow the shaping and filling instructions.
Q2: Can I freeze these danishes?
A: Absolutely! Freeze unbaked danishes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Conclusion: A Bakery Favorite at Home!
Homemade Cheese Danishes are the perfect combination of buttery, flaky pastry and rich, creamy filling. Whether for a special breakfast or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these danishes are a delightful treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Did you try this recipe? Share your photos and tag us—we’d love to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per Danish):
Calories: 280
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Enjoy every bite of these flaky, creamy danishes and make any morning a little brighter!
