Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Introduction

Cream Cheese Danish pastries offer a delightful blend of flaky puff pastry with a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these treats are easier to make than you might think.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet Puff Pastry dough (thawed)
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 4 Tablespoons Sugar
• 1 Egg + 2 Tablespoons water (whisked for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12×9 inch rectangle. Cut the dough lengthwise in half to create two strips about 4 1/2 inches wide. Then, cut each strip into thirds crosswise so you have six small rectangles total.
3. Step 3: Using a knife, lightly score a 1/2 inch border around the edges of each rectangle. Prick the dough inside the border with a fork five or six times to prevent excessive rising in the center.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of this mixture onto the center of each puff pastry piece, spreading evenly but keeping the filling inside the scored border.
5. Step 5: Brush the edges of each rectangle with the egg wash made by whisking the egg and water together. This helps create a golden, shiny crust.
6. Step 6: Bake the pastries on the middle oven rack for 25-30 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking. Remove when the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, sprinkle the cream cheese filling with a pinch of cinnamon or top with fresh berries before baking.
• You can use frozen puff pastry; just be sure to thaw it completely before rolling and cutting.
• Try substituting lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a different citrus twist.
• If you prefer a sweeter pastry, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the Danish once cooled.

Storage

Store any leftover Danish pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in a warm oven at 300º F for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of softened?

You should always soften cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth filling and easy spreading.

Can I freeze these Danish pastries?

Yes, you can freeze baked Danish pastries in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven to refresh their texture.

Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

Delight in these homemade Cream Cheese Danish pastries featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese mixture accented with fresh lemon zest and vanilla. Perfectly golden and slightly tangy, these danishes make a sophisticated breakfast treat or elegant dessert.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 danishes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 1 sheet Puff Pastry dough (thawed)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
• 4 Tablespoons Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Egg Wash

• 1 Egg
• 2 Tablespoons Water

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
2. Roll and cut puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12 by 9-inch rectangle. Cut it lengthwise in half to make two strips approximately 4 1/2 inches wide. Then, cut each strip crosswise into thirds, resulting in six rectangles total.
3. Score and prick dough: Using a knife, score a half-inch border around the edge of each puff pastry rectangle. Then, use a fork to prick five or six holes inside the border area of each piece. This prevents the center from rising too much during baking.
4. Make cream cheese filling and fill pastries: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir until smooth and creamy. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of this filling into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, spreading evenly but making sure to stay within the scored border.
5. Apply egg wash: Whisk together one egg and two tablespoons of water. Brush the edges of each pastry evenly with this egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
6. Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through to ensure even browning. Once puffed and golden brown, remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Ensure puff pastry is thawed but still cool before rolling to prevent tearing.
• The cream cheese filling can be flavored with other citrus zests or extracts for variety.
• Egg wash adds shine and helps the edges brown evenly.
• Serve warm or at room temperature; danishes can be reheated gently before serving.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Cream Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry Dessert, Easy Danish Recipe, Breakfast Pastry, Lemon Cream Cheese Danish