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Cheese Danish Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

This classic Cheese Danish recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth and sweetened cream cheese mixture. Perfect for breakfast or an elegant brunch treat, these Danish pastries bake to golden perfection with a tender, creamy center.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Dough and Topping

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for a silky texture.
  3. Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. If needed, gently roll out the dough with a rolling pin to form a rectangle approximately 9x13 inches for even sizing. Cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles for individual pastries.
  4. Score the Pastry: Transfer the puff pastry rectangles to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Using a paring knife, carefully score a smaller rectangle inside each piece of dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges. Take care not to cut all the way through; this will create a border that puffs up separately from the center.
  5. Fill and Egg Wash: Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly onto the center of each scored inner rectangle. In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Use a pastry brush or folded paper towel to gently brush the exposed pastry borders with the egg wash to help them brown to a golden color during baking.
  6. Bake the Danishes: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is fully puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
  • Don’t cut through the dough when scoring; the border puffing adds a beautiful frame to the cream cheese center.
  • Use cold puff pastry and work quickly to keep it chilled for the best flaky texture.
  • Store leftover Danish pastries in an airtight container; reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispiness.
  • This recipe can easily be doubled for larger batches or party trays.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/cheese-danish-recipe/