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Heavenly Cheese Danish Recipe

Heavenly Cheese Danish Recipe

5.2 from 28 reviews

Indulge in the heavenly delight of homemade cheese danish pastries with a flaky, buttery crust and a rich, sweet cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these treats will elevate your baking game.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°F)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature

Filling:

  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, separated
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Dough Preparation: Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add the milk, egg yolks, and yeast mixture; stir to form a soft, sticky dough. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.
  2. Shaping and Filling: Punch down the dough and divide into four equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, pat each into a 9×4-inch rectangle. Sprinkle each with 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut each rectangle lengthwise into four 9×1-inch strips. Twist each strip and loosely coil it around itself; tuck the end under and pinch to seal. Place on greased baking sheets, 3 inches apart.
  3. Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, and egg yolk until smooth. Press an indentation into the center of each dough coil and fill with 1 rounded tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
  4. Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water and brush over the dough. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown. Remove to wire racks and brush with maple syrup. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature when preparing the dough.
  • You can customize the filling by adding nuts, raisins, or fruit preserves to the cream cheese mixture.
  • These danishes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheese Danish, Danish Pastry, Breakfast Pastry, Homemade Pastry