Mini Cheese Danish: Easy Flaky Pastry Delight Recipe

Introduction

These mini cheese danishes are a delightful blend of flaky puff pastry and creamy sweet cheese filling. Easy to make at home, they bring bakery-quality indulgence to your kitchen in no time. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack with coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 package puff pastry (store-bought)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (can substitute with sugar alternative)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (use pure extract for best flavor)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
• 1 beaten egg (can be replaced with milk)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (no direct replacement)
• 1 tbsp milk (dairy-free options available)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3×3 inch squares.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square.
5. Step 5: Fold the corners of each square toward the center or leave them open-faced, depending on your preference.
6. Step 6: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
7. Step 7: Place the pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
8. Step 8: Let the mini cheese danishes cool slightly on a wire rack.
9. Step 9: Prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle over the danishes.
10. Step 10: Serve warm for the ultimate treat alongside your favorite coffee or tea.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture.
• Try folding the pastry corners over some fresh fruit like blueberries or raspberry jam for a fruity twist.
• Use a dairy-free cream cheese and milk alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Brush pastries with milk instead of egg for a softer, less shiny crust.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore the flakiness before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry directly from the freezer?

It’s best to thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator before using. This makes it easier to handle and helps achieve a flaky texture during baking.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if unavailable?

You can try ricotta cheese blended with a little sugar and vanilla, but the texture and flavor will be different from classic cream cheese filling.

Mini Cheese Danish: Easy Flaky Pastry Delight Recipe

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4.5 from 84 reviews

These Delicious Mini Cheese Danish are easy to make at home using store-bought puff pastry and a creamy sweet filling. Flaky on the outside and rich with cream cheese inside, they make a perfect breakfast treat or dessert. Finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze, these Danish pastries are a delightful and impressive homemade pastry snack.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 Mini Cheese Danishes 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 1 package Puff Pastry (store-bought, thawed)

Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with sugar alternative)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure extract recommended)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (optional)

Egg Wash

• 1 beaten Egg (can be replaced with milk)

Glaze

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 tbsp Milk (dairy-free options available)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3×3 inch squares to form the base for each Danish.
3. Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice. Stir or beat until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble Danishes: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. You can fold the corners of each square toward the center to create a closed shape or leave them open-faced to expose the creamy filling.
5. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg to give a shiny golden finish after baking.
6. Bake: Place the assembled pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until they turn golden brown and puffed.
7. Cool: Remove the mini cheese Danish from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack to set before glazing.
8. Prepare Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
9. Glaze the Danish: Drizzle the prepared glaze over the slightly cooled Danish for added sweetness and shine.
10. Serve: Serve the Mini Cheese Danish warm alongside coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a non-dairy milk for glaze.
• The lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to the cheese filling.
• If you prefer, leave the Danishes open-faced or fold the corners for a different look.
• To substitute the egg wash, you can brush with milk or melted butter for a slightly different browning effect.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: Mini Cheese Danish, puff pastry dessert, homemade Danish recipe, cream cheese pastries, easy breakfast pastry