Description
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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Ingredients
For the Danishes:
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1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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3 tbsp granulated sugar
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp lemon juice
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1 egg yolk (for filling)
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Optional Toppings & Variations:
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Fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, apricot)
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Fresh fruit slices (berries, apple, peach)
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Powdered sugar (for dusting)
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Lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice)
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Cuisine: American / European-Inspired