Description
There’s nothing quite like a warm, flaky cheese Danish straight from the oven. These Homemade Cheese Danishes are buttery, slightly sweet, and filled with a rich cream cheese center that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or just want a bakery-style treat at home, this easy recipe brings all the indulgence without the fuss.
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Ingredients
For the Pastry:
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (from frozen, about 9x9 inches)
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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1 tbsp water
For the Cheese Filling:
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6 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp lemon juice
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings & Variations:
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Fruit preserves (strawberry, apricot, raspberry)
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Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries)
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Mini chocolate chips or Nutella
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Powdered sugar for dusting
For the Glaze (Optional):
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk
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¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tbsp water to make the egg wash. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Beat until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or whisk.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet.
Cut into 4 or 6 equal squares, depending on your desired size.
Use a knife to score a smaller square inside each pastry square (without cutting all the way through). This helps the center rise less and hold the filling better.
Step 4: Fill & Fold
Add about 1 tablespoon of cheese filling in the center of each pastry square.
Optionally, add a small spoonful of fruit preserves or a few fresh berries on top of the filling.
Fold the corners slightly in toward the center, or leave them open for a classic look.
Step 5: Brush & Bake
Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash.
Place the Danishes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
Step 6: Cool & Glaze
Let the Danishes cool for 5–10 minutes on the baking sheet.
For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Drizzle over warm (not hot) Danishes for a beautiful finish.
Notes
Thaw Puff Pastry Properly – Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or for 30-40 minutes at room temp.
Keep Everything Cold – Cold dough puffs better in the oven.
Don’t Overfill – A little filling goes a long way and prevents overflow.
Use a Pastry Brush – Egg wash gives a golden, shiny finish.
Cool Before Glazing – Glazing too early will melt it into the pastry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Cuisine: American (inspired by Danish pastry tradition)