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
Scale
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
