Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

Start your morning on a sweet and satisfying note with this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish recipe. Flaky, buttery pastry meets a rich, creamy cheese filling for a bakery-style treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself, these danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes using store-bought puff pastry
Rich & Creamy – The smooth cream cheese filling is slightly tangy and perfectly sweet
Versatile – Customize with fruit, chocolate chips, or spices
Better Than Store-Bought – Fresh, warm, and made with love
Great for Make-Ahead – Can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Danish Pastry:
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp sour cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon juice
1 egg yolk (for filling)
All-purpose flour (for dusting)

For the Egg Wash:
1 egg
1 tbsp milk or water

For the Glaze (Optional):
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tsp milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Fork or spoon
Pastry brush
Knife or pizza cutter
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with flour.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and egg yolk.
3. Mix until creamy and well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Lightly flour your surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet.
2. Roll it slightly to smooth out the creases, then cut into 6 equal rectangles.
3. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.

Step 4: Add the Filling

1. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry rectangle.
2. Spread slightly, leaving a border around the edges.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tbsp of milk or water.
2. Brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.

Step 6: Bake the Danishes

1. Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Step 7: Add the Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled danishes for extra sweetness and a bakery-style look.

Tips for the Best Cheese Danish
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese – Helps create a smoother filling
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can cause leaks during baking
Keep Puff Pastry Cold – Work quickly and chill again if the dough gets too warm
Customize – Add fruit preserves, lemon zest, or cinnamon for extra flavor
Eat Fresh – Best served the same day, but can be reheated gently

Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with coffee or tea for a perfect morning pairing
Top with fresh berries or a spoonful of fruit jam
Include in a brunch platter alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit
Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for an extra indulgent touch
Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Freeze: Wrap danishes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month

Reheating:
Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes until heated through
Microwave: Heat for 15–20 seconds (note: pastry may lose some crispness)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
   Yes! Crescent roll dough works well and gives a slightly different texture.
2. What kind of cream cheese should I use?
   Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and best consistency.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble the danishes and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
4. Can I add fruit to the filling?
   Absolutely. Try a spoonful of jam, pie filling, or fresh fruit over the cheese before baking.

Final Thoughts
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a sweet and creamy pastry without the hassle of traditional dough-making. With its flaky layers and luscious filling, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests—or simply make your own morning a little more special.
Whip up a batch and savor the cozy, bakery-style goodness right from your kitchen!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 19g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 210mg

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