Imagine biting into a flaky, golden pastry with a creamy, sweet filling that melts in your mouth – that's exactly what our Small Batch Cream Cheese Danish promises! Whether you're craving a luxurious breakfast treat or a stunning dessert that looks like it's straight from a professional bakery, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a Danish pastry paradise. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create restaurant-quality danishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Danish
Serves: 4 danishes
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fruit preserves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or whisk.
- Carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 4 equal squares.
- Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture diagonally across the center of each pastry square, leaving a border around the edges.
- Optional: If using fruit preserves, add a small dollop of preserves on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, slightly overlapping them to create a pinwheel or envelope shape. Gently press the corners to seal.
- Brush each danish with beaten egg wash, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, shiny finish.
- Transfer the prepared danishes to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.
Tips
- Ensure your puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold for the best texture and rise.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Don't overfill the pastries – this can prevent them from puffing up properly.
- For a professional bakery look, make sure to seal the pastry corners well and brush evenly with egg wash.
- Let the danishes cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Experiment with different preserves like raspberry, apricot, or blueberry for variety.
- These danishes are best enjoyed fresh on the day they're baked, but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
