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Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish Recipe for Perfect Mornings Recipe

Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish Recipe for Perfect Mornings Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

This Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish recipe offers a perfect balance of buttery laminated dough and creamy sweet cheese filling, ideal for a luxurious breakfast or brunch. The step-by-step guide takes you through making tender yeast dough, preparing a smooth cream cheese filling, and creating a shiny glaze topping. Optional fruit preserves and fresh berries add a fresh fruity touch to make mornings delightful and indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp (10g) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warm
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup + 2 tbsp (250g) cold unsalted butter, for laminating

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 7 oz (200g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

  • Fruit preserves
  • Fresh berries
  • Sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. Add the egg and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix and knead the dough for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare Butter Block: Place the cold unsalted butter between sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin or a mallet to pound and shape the butter into an 8-inch square. Chill the butter block until it becomes firm but still pliable, about 20 minutes.
  3. Laminate the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 16-inch square. Place the butter block in the center of the dough diagonally, like a diamond shape. Fold the corners of the dough over the butter to completely encase it. Roll the dough into an 8×24 inch long rectangle, then fold it into thirds like a letter. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times, chilling for 30 minutes between each fold to build the flaky layers.
  4. Shape the Danish: Roll the laminated dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 4-inch squares. Place about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners over or shape the Danish as desired. Optionally, add fruit preserves, fresh berries, or sliced almonds on top for extra flavor and garnish.
  5. Proof and Bake: Place the shaped Danish pastries on parchment-lined baking sheets. Let them rise at room temperature for about 1 hour until puffed. Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Brush the pastries lightly with egg wash or milk to enhance browning. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
  6. Glaze and Serve: Allow the Danishes to cool completely on a wire rack. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastries and serve fresh for a decadent breakfast treat.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter and dough are cold but pliable during lamination for best flaky layers.
  • If the cream cheese filling is too soft, chill it slightly before filling the dough to prevent leakage.
  • You can substitute whole milk with any milk of your choice, but whole milk improves richness.
  • Chilling between folds is crucial to developing layers and preventing butter from melting into the dough.
  • Use a light hand with egg wash to avoid darkening the Danishes overly during baking.
  • The glaze can be thinned or thickened by adjusting the amount of milk or powdered sugar to your preference.
  • Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheese Danish, Flaky Pastry, Breakfast Pastry, Cream Cheese Filling, Laminated Dough, Homemade Danish, Brunch Recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/deliciously-flaky-cheese-danish-recipe-for-perfect-mornings-recipe/