Homemade Cheese Danishes

Flaky, golden pastry filled with creamy, sweetened cheese—these Homemade Cheese Danishes are a delicious bakery-style treat you can make right in your kitchen. With a simple cream cheese filling and store-bought puff pastry, this recipe is perfect for weekend brunch, holiday breakfasts, or a sweet afternoon snack. They’re elegant, easy, and absolutely irresistible fresh out of the oven.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bakery-Quality at Home – Tastes like it came from your favorite pastry shop.
Quick & Easy – No need for fancy dough; puff pastry makes it fast.
Creamy & Sweet – Rich cheese filling with a hint of vanilla and lemon.
Customizable – Add fruit, preserves, or chocolate to switch things up.
Perfect Anytime – Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Danishes:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp lemon juice
• 1 egg yolk (for filling)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Optional Toppings & Variations:

• Fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, apricot)
• Fresh fruit slices (berries, apple, peach)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice)

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry brush
Knife or pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
Set aside.

Step 3: Cut & Shape the Puff Pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into 4 to 6 equal squares, depending on desired size.
Fold the edges of each square inward about ½ inch to create a border or score a border using a knife (do not cut all the way through).

Step 4: Add the Filling
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cheese filling into the center of each square.
Spread gently within the border.
Add a small spoonful of fruit preserves or a slice of fresh fruit on top of the cheese, if desired.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash.
Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg wash.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let danishes cool for 5–10 minutes.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze, if using.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Cheese Danishes
Use Cold Puff Pastry – Keep it chilled to ensure the flakiest results.
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can spill during baking.
Add Fresh Fruit – Blueberries, strawberries, or apple slices make a lovely addition.
Keep It Neat – Scoring a border helps keep filling in place.
Make a Glaze – Combine ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tsp lemon juice for a quick icing drizzle.

Serving Suggestions
With Coffee or Tea – The perfect sweet pairing.
On a Brunch Platter – Serve alongside muffins, fruit, and yogurt.
With Fresh Berries – Add a colorful and fresh contrast.
As Dessert – Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For Gifting – Wrap cooled danishes in parchment and tie with string.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Keep for up to 5 days in a sealed container.

Freezing:
Freeze baked and cooled danishes in a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven.

Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.
Air Fryer: Heat at 325°F for 3–4 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended—pastry will soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh before serving.

2. Can I use puff pastry shells?
Yes, just flatten slightly and add the filling in the center.

3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and texture.

4. What fruits go best with these?
Berries, sliced peaches, or even apples work wonderfully.

5. Can I make a large Danish instead of individual ones?
Absolutely—use a full sheet of puff pastry and shape it like a braid or galette.

Final Thoughts
Homemade Cheese Danishes are a delicious way to start the morning or sweeten up your day. With flaky layers and creamy filling, they deliver big bakery flavor with little effort. Dress them up with fruit, glaze, or powdered sugar, and serve them warm for maximum comfort.

Try a batch this weekend—you won’t be disappointed!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Cuisine: American / European-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Danish, 1 of 6):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 19g | Sugar: 8g | Sodium: 210mg

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