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Cheese Danish

Nothing beats the flaky, buttery goodness of a freshly baked Cheese Danish. This delightful pastry is a classic treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest freshly grated
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
  • 2 sheets puff pastry thawed
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • ¼ teaspoon water
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients. Leave your cream cheese out at room temperature until it’s nice and soft. Thaw your puff pastry sheets on the counter for 20-30 minutes.
  • Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well incorporated.
  • Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out each sheet of thawed puff pastry to a rectangle, then cut each sheet into 4 squares.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Danishes. Place each square of puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Score a border about ½ inch from the edge of each square. Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square.
  • Step 5: Create an Egg Wash. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush this mixture along the scored border of each pastry square.
  • Step 6: Sprinkle with Sugar. Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of granulated sugar over the cream cheese filling of each Danish.
  • Step 7: Bake. Place your assembled Cheese Danishes into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  • Step 8: Cool and Serve. Allow the Cheese Danishes to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in your filling. For a richer flavor, add a dash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.