Delicious Mini Cheese Danish Recipe
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
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)
- 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