Description
These Delicious Mini Cheese Danish pastries are flaky, buttery, and filled with a sweet and creamy cream cheese mixture. Perfectly portioned for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, these danishes come together quickly using store-bought puff pastry and a simple cream cheese filling. Topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze, they offer a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
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 (use pure extract for best flavor)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (optional)
Egg Wash
- 1 beaten Egg (can be replaced with milk)
Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (no direct replacement)
- 1 tbsp Milk (dairy-free options available)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Prepare Pastry Squares: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3×3 inch squares to create the base for each danish.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Danish: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, distributing evenly to ensure a consistent filling.
- Shape Pastries: Fold the corners of each square toward the center to form a sealed shape or leave them open-faced according to your preference.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg (or milk substitute) to give the danish a shiny, golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the assembled pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack to set before glazing.
- Make Glaze: Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes for added sweetness and shine.
- Serve: Serve the Mini Cheese Danish warm for the ultimate treat alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
Notes
- Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor in the cream cheese filling.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice tang to balance the sweetness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk in the glaze and egg wash with plant-based milk.
- Puff pastry should be thawed but kept cold for easier handling.
- You can fold the corners to the center or leave the pastries open-faced based on your preferred presentation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mini cheese danish, cream cheese pastry, puff pastry dessert, breakfast pastry, easy danish recipe
