Description
The Cheese Danish is a buttery, flaky pastry filled with a sweet and creamy cream cheese mixture. This popular European-inspired pastry is a staple in bakeries, coffee shops, and breakfast tables worldwide. Whether made from scratch with laminated Danish dough or using store-bought puff pastry for a quick version, this treat delivers the perfect balance of crispness, richness, and mild sweetness.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, the Cheese Danish can be enjoyed on its own or with fruit fillings, nuts, or glazes for extra flavor. With its golden brown, crisp layers and smooth, tangy filling, it’s no wonder this pastry is a favorite among pastry lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Unroll puff pastry and, if needed, use a rolling pin to gently roll out to a rectangle approximately 9×13 inches. Cut pastry into 8 rectangles.
- Transfer the rectangles to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between. (You might need two baking sheets.) Using a paring knife, score a smaller rectangle inside each piece of dough, leaving a ½-inch border all around. Be careful to not cut all the way through the dough.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto each smaller rectangle. Beat together egg and water, then use a pastry brush or paper towel to brush the egg wash on the uncovered pastry edges.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Dough Choice: For an authentic Danish texture, use homemade laminated dough. However, store-bought puff pastry is a great shortcut without sacrificing too much flakiness.
- Don’t Overfill: Adding too much cream cheese filling can cause it to leak out while baking. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons per pastry.
- Sealing is Key: To prevent the filling from spilling, seal the edges properly or use a shaping method that keeps it contained.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing with an egg wash (egg + milk or water) before baking ensures a golden, glossy crust.
- Baking Temperature: Bake at 375°F-400°F (190°C-200°C) for the best results—this allows the pastry to rise and crisp up beautifully.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add lemon zest, vanilla extract, or cinnamon to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
- Storage: Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.