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Mini Cheese Danish Recipe

4.7 from 143 reviews

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.

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)

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Fill Pastry Squares: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square, distributing evenly.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Cool: Remove the baked danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack to set.
  9. Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create a sweet glaze for topping.
  10. 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