Delicious Mini Cheese Danish Recipe
Introduction
These Delicious Mini Cheese Danish are flaky, creamy, and perfect for a quick breakfast or an elegant snack. Made with store-bought puff pastry and a simple cream cheese filling, they come together in no time and impress every time.
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 finish.
- Step 7: Place the pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- 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 over the danish.
- Step 10: Serve warm for the ultimate treat alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh berries to the cream cheese filling.
- You can substitute the lemon juice with orange juice for a different citrus twist.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the sugar in the filling or skip the glaze altogether.
Storage
Store leftover Mini Cheese Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days and warm briefly in the oven before serving. These can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these Mini Cheese Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastries up to the baking step and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?
Puff pastry gives the Danish its signature flaky texture, but you could try using phyllo dough sheets layered with butter as an alternative. The texture will differ, but it can still be delicious.
Print
Delicious Mini Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 mini cheese danish pastries 1x
Description
Enjoy these delicious Mini Cheese Danish pastries made with flaky puff pastry and a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling. Perfectly golden and topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze, these treats are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack paired with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 package Puff Pastry (store-bought, thawed)
Cheese Filling
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with sugar alternative)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure extract preferred)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (optional)
Egg Wash
- 1 beaten Egg (can be substituted with milk)
Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (no substitute)
- 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 prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Pastry Squares: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it carefully into 3×3 inch squares, ensuring even sizes for uniform baking.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir or beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Fill Pastry Squares: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square, distributing evenly to allow folding or open-faced presentation.
- Shape Danish: Fold the corners of each square toward the center for a closed shape, or leave them open-faced depending on your preference.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg to give a shiny, golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the Danish from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack so the pastry remains crispy without sogginess.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable but not too thin.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm Mini Cheese Danish for a sweet finishing touch. Serve warm alongside your favorite coffee or tea for the best experience.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry properly in the refrigerator overnight for best handling.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice tang that balances the sweetness.
- Use pure vanilla extract for the most authentic flavor.
- The beaten egg wash can be replaced with milk for a less shiny, but still golden crust.
- Glaze should have a drizzle consistency; adjust milk quantity accordingly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- Reheat in a warm oven briefly to reinvigorate crispness before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mini Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry Dessert, Cream Cheese Danish, Easy Breakfast Pastry, Homemade Danish
