Cheese Danish Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love buttery, flaky pastries with a creamy, slightly sweet filling, then this Cheese Danish Delight will be your new favorite treat. The dough is tender and delicate, while the cream cheese filling provides the perfect balance of richness and sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning or serving it at a brunch gathering, these Cheese Danishes are sure to impress everyone.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Form the Dough:
   Add about 2-3 tablespoons of cold water, a little at a time, to bring the dough together. Once it forms a dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
   In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a thin rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
5. Assemble the Danishes:
   Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners of the dough toward the center to form a pocket or make a simple rectangular shape. Pinch the edges together to seal.
6. Apply the Egg Wash:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over each Danish to give them a golden, shiny finish.
7. Bake:
   Place the Danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and the filling is set.
8. Cool and Serve:
   Let the Cheese Danishes cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Fruit Filling: Add a spoonful of fruit preserves, such as raspberry or blueberry, on top of the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
• Lemon Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest into the cream cheese filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the top after baking for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore the flakiness. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, puff pastry can be used as a substitute for the dough to create an even flakier texture. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for thawing and handling.

2. How do I make the dough less tough?

Make sure to use cold butter and cold water when making the dough. Overworking the dough can result in a tough texture, so handle it gently.

3. Can I freeze Cheese Danishes?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked Danishes. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I use cream cheese spread instead of block cream cheese?

For the best results, it’s recommended to use block cream cheese. Cream cheese spread contains more moisture, which could affect the consistency of the filling.

5. How can I prevent the Danishes from becoming soggy?

Ensure that the dough is fully chilled before baking and avoid overfilling the Danishes with cream cheese filling. A slight gap around the edges of the filling can also help prevent sogginess.

6. Can I make these Danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough and filling ahead of time, then assemble and bake them when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked Danishes for later.

7. How do I make the pastry dough more flaky?

For a flakier dough, make sure your butter is very cold, and avoid overmixing the dough. The cold butter creates layers as it bakes, giving the pastry its flaky texture.

8. What can I use if I don’t have powdered sugar?

If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending regular granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it’s powdered.

9. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can be added to the cream cheese filling for an extra crunch and flavor.

10. Can I glaze the Danishes after baking?

Absolutely! A glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream can be drizzled over the Danishes after they’ve cooled slightly for an extra touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

Cheese Danish Delight is a perfectly balanced pastry with a crisp, buttery exterior and a creamy, indulgent filling. Whether you’re enjoying it as a special breakfast treat or serving it at a gathering, these pastries will be a hit. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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