Description
Flaky, golden pastry filled with sweet, creamy cheese—these Homemade Cheese Danishes are bakery-level delicious and incredibly easy to make at home. With the help of store-bought puff pastry and a simple cream cheese filling, you can whip up these elegant pastries in under 30 minutes. Serve them for brunch, holidays, or a special breakfast treat that looks fancy but takes minimal effort.
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Ingredients
For the Danishes:
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1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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3 tbsp granulated sugar
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp lemon juice
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1 egg yolk (for filling)
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1 egg (for egg wash)
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1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Optional Toppings:
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Fruit preserves (raspberry, strawberry, apricot)
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Fresh berries
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Powdered sugar
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Lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into 4–6 equal squares.
Use a knife to score a ½-inch border inside each square without cutting through the dough—this helps the edges puff up around the filling.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each square.
Spread it gently within the scored border.
If using, add a small spoonful of fruit preserves or fresh fruit on top of the cheese.
Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
Brush the edges of each pastry square with the egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake the Danishes
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Let cool slightly on a wire rack.
Step 7: Glaze or Garnish
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a quick lemon glaze made from ½ cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tsp lemon juice.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Keep the Pastry Cold – Cold dough puffs up best in the oven.
Don’t Overfill – Use just enough filling to avoid overflow.
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese – For the richest, creamiest texture.
Add a Fruit Twist – Raspberry and cream cheese is a classic combo.
Score the Dough – Helps define the border and hold the filling in place.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Cuisine: European-Inspired / Brunch