Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish Recipe: A Delightful Breakfast Treat

Craving a warm, flaky, and utterly delicious breakfast treat? Look no further! This easy puff pastry cheese danish recipe is the answer. Using store-bought puff pastry, you can whip up these delightful pastries in under an hour. Perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or simply a special treat any day of the week, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Forget complicated baking projects; this cheese danish recipe is all about simplicity and incredible flavor.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** Using store-bought puff pastry cuts down on prep time significantly, making this recipe incredibly simple and quick to make.
* **Deliciously Flaky:** The puff pastry creates a light, airy, and flaky texture that perfectly complements the creamy cheese filling.
* **Customizable:** You can easily customize the filling with your favorite flavors, such as lemon zest, vanilla extract, or even a hint of almond extract.
* **Impressive Presentation:** These cheese danishes look beautiful and impressive, making them perfect for serving to guests.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love these pastries, making them a great option for picky eaters.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather these simple ingredients:

* **Puff Pastry:** 1 sheet (usually about 14-17 ounces), thawed according to package instructions. It’s crucial to thaw it properly; if it’s too frozen, it will be difficult to work with, and if it’s too warm, the butter will melt, resulting in a less flaky pastry.
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces, softened. Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in your filling. Leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes usually does the trick. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/4 cup, for the cheese filling. This adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
* **Egg Yolk:** 1 large, for the cheese filling. The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the filling together. Use a fresh, high-quality egg for the best results.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon, for the cheese filling. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the filling and adds a warm, comforting aroma. Pure vanilla extract is always preferred over imitation vanilla.
* **Lemon Zest:** 1 teaspoon (optional), for the cheese filling. Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the cream cheese beautifully. Be careful to only zest the yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the white pith, which is bitter.
* **Egg:** 1 large, for the egg wash. The egg wash gives the danishes a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish. Whisk it well to ensure even coverage.
* **Milk or Cream:** 1 tablespoon (optional), for the egg wash. Adding a tablespoon of milk or cream to the egg wash can make it even smoother and more effective.
* **Powdered Sugar:** For dusting (optional). A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to the finished danishes.
* **Fruit Preserves or Jam:** (Optional) For topping. Consider using your favorite fruit preserves or jam to add a fruity dimension to your danishes after baking. Apricot, raspberry, or strawberry are excellent choices.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet:** A standard baking sheet is perfect for baking these danishes.
* **Parchment Paper:** Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the danishes from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. You can also use a silicone baking mat.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the cheese filling.
* **Electric Mixer (optional):** While you can mix the filling by hand, an electric mixer makes it much easier and ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
* **Fork:** For crimping the edges of the danishes and whisking the egg wash.
* **Pastry Brush:** For applying the egg wash.
* **Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife:** For cutting the puff pastry into squares or rectangles.
* **Small Bowl:** For preparing the egg wash.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious puff pastry cheese danishes:

**1. Prepare the Cheese Filling:**

* In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness or add more vanilla extract if desired.

**2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Be careful not to tear the pastry. If it’s sticking to the surface, sprinkle a little more flour underneath.
* Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the puff pastry into 9 equal squares or rectangles. The size of the squares will determine the size of your finished danishes. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.

**3. Assemble the Danishes:**

* Place the pastry squares onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. This allows for even baking and prevents the danishes from sticking together.
* Spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling (about 1-2 tablespoons) onto the center of each pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges. Don’t overfill the pastries, as the filling may spill out during baking.
* Optional: To create a traditional danish shape, fold two opposite corners of each square towards the center, pinching them together slightly to secure them. You can also simply leave the squares flat.

**4. Egg Wash and Bake:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or cream) to create the egg wash. Whisk until the egg is smooth and the milk is fully incorporated.
* Brush the edges of each danish with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them during baking to prevent them from burning. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.

**5. Cool and Decorate:**

* Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
* Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar (if using). You can use a sifter or a small sieve to ensure an even coating.
* Optional: Top with your favorite fruit preserves or jam. Apricot, raspberry, or strawberry jam are all excellent choices. You can also add fresh berries, a drizzle of glaze, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

## Tips for the Perfect Puff Pastry Cheese Danish

* **Use High-Quality Puff Pastry:** The quality of the puff pastry will greatly affect the final result. Choose a brand that you trust and that you know produces flaky and flavorful pastry.
* **Keep the Puff Pastry Cold:** Puff pastry is made with layers of butter, so it’s important to keep it cold to prevent the butter from melting. Work quickly and return the pastry to the refrigerator if it starts to get too warm.
* **Don’t Overfill the Danishes:** Overfilling the danishes can cause the filling to spill out during baking, resulting in a messy and potentially soggy pastry.
* **Bake Until Golden Brown:** Make sure the puff pastry is fully baked and golden brown before removing the danishes from the oven. This ensures that the pastry is cooked through and has a crispy texture.
* **Let Cool Before Decorating:** Allow the danishes to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or adding toppings. This prevents the powdered sugar from melting and the toppings from sliding off.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors in the cheese filling. Try adding almond extract, orange zest, or even a pinch of cinnamon.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and customizations:

* **Fruit-Filled Danishes:** Add a layer of fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, on top of the cheese filling before baking.
* **Chocolate Cheese Danishes:** Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cheese filling for a chocolatey twist. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the finished danishes.
* **Savory Cheese Danishes:** Omit the sugar from the cheese filling and add savory ingredients such as chopped herbs, grated cheese, or diced ham.
* **Almond Paste Danishes:** Mix almond paste into the cheese filling for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Cream Cheese and Berry Danishes:** Swirl your favorite berry preserves or fresh berries into the cream cheese filling.
* **Nutella Danishes:** Spread a layer of Nutella on the puff pastry before adding the cheese filling.

## Serving Suggestions

These puff pastry cheese danishes are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for:

* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, and coffee for a complete breakfast or brunch spread.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner.
* **Snack:** Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy them as an afternoon snack.
* **Holidays and Special Occasions:** They make a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday or special occasion menu.
* **Gifts:** Package them in a pretty box and give them as a homemade gift to friends and family.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the danishes for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Recipe Card

**Easy Puff Pastry Cheese Danish Recipe**

A quick and easy recipe for delicious and flaky cheese danishes made with store-bought puff pastry.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15-20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30-35 minutes
**Yields:** 9 danishes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 sheet puff pastry (14-17 ounces), thawed
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
* 1 large egg, for egg wash
* 1 tablespoon milk or cream (optional), for egg wash
* Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
* Fruit preserves or jam (optional), for topping

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Beat until smooth.
3. Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 9 squares or rectangles.
4. Place pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Spoon cheese filling onto the center of each square, leaving a border.
6. Optional: Fold two opposite corners towards the center and pinch to secure.
7. Whisk together egg and milk (or cream) for the egg wash.
8. Brush the edges of each danish with egg wash.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
10. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Dust with powdered sugar (if using) and top with fruit preserves or jam (if using).

## Nutritional Information (approximate per danish)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 3-5g

## Conclusion

This easy puff pastry cheese danish recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its flaky pastry, creamy filling, and customizable options, it’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cheese danishes without the fuss! Happy baking!