Mini Cheese Danish Recipe
Introduction
These Delicious Mini Cheese Danish are flaky, creamy, and perfect for a special breakfast or snack. Made with store-bought puff pastry and a smooth cream cheese filling, they come together quickly and taste like a bakery treat at home.
Ingredients
- 1 package Puff Pastry (store-bought)
- 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)
- 1 beaten Egg (can be replaced with milk)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (no direct replacement)
- 1 tbsp Milk (dairy-free options available)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3×3 inch squares.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
- Step 4: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square.
- Step 5: Fold the corners of each square toward the center or leave them open-faced, as you prefer.
- Step 6: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Step 7: Place the pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 8: Let the Mini Cheese Danish cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Step 9: Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle over the danish.
- Step 10: Serve warm for the ultimate treat alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
Tips & Variations
- For a fruit twist, add a small spoonful of your favorite jam under the cream cheese filling before folding.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and milk to make these suitable for lactose intolerance.
- Brush edges with milk instead of egg for an egg-free option, knowing the finish will be less shiny.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the powdered sugar or skip it entirely.
Storage
Store any leftover Mini Cheese Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore flakiness. These pastries are best enjoyed the same day but can be frozen before baking for up to a month; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these Mini Cheese Danish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the danish and freeze them on the baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute ricotta cheese or mascarpone for a different texture and flavor, though the danish will be less tangy and slightly creamier.
PrintMini Cheese Danish Recipe
These Delicious Mini Cheese Danish pastries feature flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth, sweet cream cheese mixture, finished with a glossy egg wash and a drizzle of sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful treat alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 12 Mini Cheese Danish pastries 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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)
Glaze and Finish
- 1 beaten Egg (can be replaced with milk)
- 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 prepare for baking the danish pastries.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3×3 inch squares, ensuring even sizes for uniform baking.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Fill Pastry Squares: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square, distributing evenly.
- Shape Pastries: Either fold the corners of each square inward towards the center to form a classic danish shape or leave the tops open-faced depending on your preference.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden finish when baked. Alternatively, use milk if you prefer.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the baked danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack to set.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create a sweet glaze for topping.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled Mini Cheese Danish and serve warm with your favorite coffee or tea for the ultimate treat.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before cutting for ease of handling.
- Lemon juice in the filling is optional but adds a subtle brightness that balances the sweetness.
- Be careful not to overfill the pastry squares to avoid leaking while baking.
- You can customize the shape by folding or leaving open-faced according to your preference.
- The glaze adds sweetness and a beautiful presentation but can be omitted if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat briefly in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness before serving.
Keywords: Mini Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry, Cream Cheese Pastry, Breakfast Pastry, Sweet Danish, Easy Pastry Recipe
