The Ultimate Cheese Danish Recipe: Flaky, Creamy, and Irresistible

Cheese Danishes are the perfect combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling, making them a timeless breakfast or snack favorite. This easy-to-follow recipe uses store-bought puff pastry for convenience while delivering a bakery-quality result. With a touch of lemon and vanilla for flavor, these Cheese Danishes are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• 1 large egg plus 1 yolk (for egg wash)
• One 17.3-ounce box frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Additional sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares (8 squares total).

3. Shape the Danishes

1. Take each square and fold the corners slightly toward the center, pressing lightly to secure. Alternatively, you can cut slits on each side of the square and fold them over to create a braid-like pattern.
2. Place the shaped pastries on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them for expansion.

4. Fill the Pastries

1. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry. Spread slightly, leaving a border around the edges.

5. Egg Wash and Sugar Dusting

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and yolk.
2. Brush the edges of the pastries with the egg wash to give them a golden finish when baked.
3. Sprinkle a light dusting of sugar over the entire pastry for added sweetness and crunch.

6. Bake to Perfection

1. Bake the Danishes in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack.

7. Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Cheese Danishes warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.

Conclusion

This Best Cheese Danish Recipe is proof that a little effort goes a long way when it comes to creating a delightful homemade pastry. With its creamy, tangy filling and flaky, buttery crust, these danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat anytime. Try this recipe and bring a touch of bakery magic to your home kitchen!