Description
This Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a delightful and simple pastry made with flaky puff pastry and a smooth, sweetened cream cheese filling. Perfect for a quick morning treat, these danishes bake to a golden brown and are finished with a light sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- flour for dusting
Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
For Assembly:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your working surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut it evenly into 4 squares to create the Danish bases.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest if using. Mix until the filling is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Danishes: Place about one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the corners slightly toward the center for a neat look or leave them open for a rustic appearance.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg. This helps the danishes develop a golden, glossy finish while baking.
- Bake: Transfer the prepared pastries onto the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Prepare Glaze: While the danishes cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth to make a light glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a fruity twist, add a spoonful of jam or fresh berries on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.
- Best enjoyed warm, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
