Delicious Mini Cheese Danish Recipe
These Delicious Mini Cheese Danish pastries feature flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth and creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack with coffee or tea.
- Author: Zane
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 12 Mini Cheese Danish pastries 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Puff Pastry
- 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)
Egg Wash
- 1 beaten Egg (can be replaced with milk)
Glaze
- 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 prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3×3 inch squares to make individual Danish pastries.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Assemble Pastries: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, placing the filling neatly to avoid spilling during baking.
- Shape Pastries: Fold the corners of each square toward the center to create a closed shape, or optionally leave them open-faced for a classic Danish look.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg to give a shiny, golden finish after baking. This also helps in browning the pastry evenly.
- Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffy.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the Danish pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack to set and avoid sogginess.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable, creating a sweet glaze to top the pastries.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm Mini Cheese Danish and serve immediately for the best flavor alongside coffee or tea.
Notes
- You can substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative for a lower-sugar option.
- If you prefer, replace the beaten egg with milk for a lighter glaze on the pastry edges.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a subtle tang that complements the cream cheese filling.
- Make sure the puff pastry is well thawed before cutting for best results.
- For dairy-free glaze, use plant-based milk options.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Keywords: Mini Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry Dessert, Cream Cheese Pastry, Easy Danish Recipe, Breakfast Pastry