Description
These Delicious Mini Cheese Danish pastries feature flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture, topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, they’re easy to bake and impressive to serve.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry (store-bought, thawed)
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (can substitute with sugar alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure extract recommended)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Assembly
- 1 beaten egg (can be replaced with milk for egg-free option)
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 ensure the pastries do not stick and bake evenly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking, then cut it into 3×3 inch squares for individual pastries.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using). 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: Fold the corners of each square towards the center or leave them open-faced, depending on your preferred presentation.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg to create a shiny, golden finish after baking.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the pastries turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool Pastries: Remove the Danish pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack to set before adding the glaze.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable for a sweet finishing touch.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastries and serve warm alongside your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor in the cream cheese filling.
- Lemon juice in the filling is optional but adds a nice subtle tang.
- Egg wash can be substituted with milk for a less rich finish.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your filling.
- Store leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat briefly before serving to restore flakiness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mini cheese Danish, puff pastry dessert, cream cheese pastries, sweet breakfast pastries, easy Danish recipe
