Description
Enjoy these Cream Cheese Danish pastries with a creamy filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they are easy to make and sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, separated
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- Fresh fruit or jam (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Add the granulated sugar and beat together until creamy and well combined (about 2-3 minutes).
- Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Separate the egg, adding the egg white to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fluffy and light. Set the egg yolk aside for later.
- Cover the filling with plastic wrap and refrigerate while preparing the puff pastry.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. Roll out each sheet to smooth out creases and make it slightly larger.
- Cut each sheet into 4×4 inch squares. Adjust size based on desired pastry size.
- Use a sharp knife to create a border around each square, about 1/2 inch from the edge, without cutting all the way through.
- Remove the chilled cream cheese filling from the refrigerator. Place a generous dollop (1-2 tablespoons) of filling in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the corners of each square towards the center, pinching them together to form a pinwheel shape.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the tops of each assembled Danish.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the assembled Danish pastries on it, leaving space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes to prevent over-baking.
- Once golden, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust cooled pastries with powdered sugar for a sweet touch (optional).
- Serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of jam on the side for an extra treat.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- You can customize the filling by adding lemon zest or other flavorings if desired.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes