Introduction

Mini Cheese Danishes are delightful, flaky pastries filled with a creamy, sweet cheese center. Perfect for breakfast or a light dessert, these little treats are easy to make with store-bought puff pastry and a simple cream cheese filling.

Delicious Mini Cheese Danish Recipe - Recipe Image

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, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
Step 7: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
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 it over the cooled pastries.
Step 10: Serve warm alongside your favorite coffee or tea for an irresistible treat.

Tips & Variations

For a fruit twist, add a spoonful of your favorite jam or fresh berries on top of the cream cheese before folding.
Use whole wheat puff pastry for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Brush with milk instead of egg for a softer, less shiny crust if preferred.
Substitute lemon juice with orange zest for a different citrus note.

Storage

Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the danishes and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a milder flavor, but the texture and taste will differ slightly from traditional cream cheese filling.

Delicious Mini Cheese Danish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 74 reviews

These Delicious Mini Cheese Danish pastries feature flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack with coffee or tea, these easy-to-make danishes combine buttery pastry with a rich and tangy filling for a truly irresistible treat.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 30-33 minutes
Yield: 12 mini cheese danishes 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Base

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)

Topping and Glaze

1 beaten Egg (can be replaced with milk for brushing)
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 easy removal and cleanup.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry carefully on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking, and cut it into 3×3 inch squares, giving you evenly sized pastries.
Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
Fill Pastry Squares: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry square, distributing the filling evenly.
Shape Pastries: Fold the corners of each square toward the center if you prefer a closed shape, or leave them open-faced for a classic look.
Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg to give a shiny, golden finish once baked. Egg can be substituted with milk if desired.
Bake: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the pastries puff up and turn golden brown.
Cool: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack, preventing sogginess.
Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps to create the glaze.
Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled danishes. Serve warm alongside your favorite coffee or tea for a delicious treat.

Notes

You can substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative to reduce sugar content.
Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice tangy brightness to the cream cheese filling.
If you prefer vegan or dairy-free options, use dairy-free cream cheese, milk alternatives, and an egg substitute for brushing.
Be careful not to overfill the pastry squares to prevent leakage during baking.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for best freshness.

Keywords: mini cheese danish, puff pastry cheese danish, cream cheese danish, breakfast pastries, sweet pastries, easy baked desserts