Heavenly Glazed Cheese Danish Squares: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Are you ready to embark on a baking adventure that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm, buttery pastry and sweet, creamy cheese? Look no further! These Glazed Cheese Danish Squares are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a delightful indulgence. They are surprisingly simple to make, even for novice bakers, and the results are simply divine. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these homemade delights!

This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips to ensure your success. We’ll cover everything from creating the perfect flaky dough to whipping up a luscious cheese filling and finishing with a shimmering glaze. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Incredibly Delicious:** The combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet glaze is simply irresistible.
* **Surprisingly Easy:** Despite their impressive appearance, these danishes are quite simple to make with our step-by-step instructions.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a special brunch, a holiday gathering, or just a weekend treat, these danishes are always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the cheese filling or add toppings like fruit or nuts.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the dough or cheese filling ahead of time to save time on the day of baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

**For the Dough:**

* 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm milk (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
* 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes

**For the Cheese Filling:**

* 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* Zest of ½ lemon (optional)

**For the Glaze:**

* 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional, but recommended)
* Plastic wrap
* Rolling pin
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper
* Pastry brush
* Small bowl
* Wire rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for making these delicious Glazed Cheese Danish Squares.

Part 1: Making the Dough

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the salt, egg, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. **Add Flour Gradually:** Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon or your hands.
4. **Form a Rough Dough:** Continue mixing until the dough comes together into a rough ball. It will be slightly sticky.
5. **Add the Cold Butter:** This is the key to creating flaky layers. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dough. If using a stand mixer, mix on low speed until the butter is broken down into smaller pieces, about pea-sized. If mixing by hand, use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dough. Be careful not to overmix; you want to see small pieces of butter throughout the dough.
6. **First Rise (Lamination):** This stage develops layers of butter and dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle, about 8×12 inches. Fold the dough in thirds, like a letter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. **Second Lamination:** Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Place it on a lightly floured surface with the short side facing you. Roll it out again into a rectangle, about 8×12 inches. Fold it in thirds again. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
8. **Third Lamination:** Repeat the rolling and folding process one more time. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier pastry.

Part 2: Making the Cheese Filling

1. **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and flour. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. **Add Lemon Zest (Optional):** If you’re using lemon zest, add it to the cheese filling and stir to combine. This adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the filling.
4. **Refrigerate:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheese filling until ready to use. This will help it firm up and make it easier to work with.

Part 3: Assembling the Danish Squares

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Roll Out the Dough:** Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches, and about ¼ inch thick.
3. **Trim the Edges:** Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to trim the edges of the dough to create a neat rectangle. This will help the danishes bake evenly.
4. **Cut into Squares:** Cut the dough into 12 equal squares (approximately 3×3 inches each).
5. **Add the Cheese Filling:** Place a generous spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) of the cheese filling in the center of each square.
6. **Fold the Corners (Optional):** For a decorative touch, you can fold two opposite corners of each square towards the center, partially covering the cheese filling. Press gently to secure the corners.
7. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place the danish squares on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the danishes are golden brown and the cheese filling is set.
9. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Part 4: Making the Glaze

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Add more milk or cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the danishes but thin enough to drizzle easily.
2. **Glaze the Danishes:** Once the danishes are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a pastry brush to apply the glaze.
3. **Let the Glaze Set:** Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent it from being too sticky.

Tips for Success

* **Keep the Butter Cold:** Cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers in the dough. Make sure the butter is cold throughout the entire process.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop too much gluten, resulting in a tough pastry. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Rest the Dough:** Resting the dough in the refrigerator allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier pastry. Don’t skip the resting time!
* **Use a Light Hand:** When rolling out the dough, use a light hand to avoid pressing out all the butter layers.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the danishes and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Get Creative with Fillings:** Feel free to experiment with different fillings. Try adding fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or nuts to the cheese filling.
* **Make Ahead:** The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cheese filling can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations and Customizations

* **Fruit Filling:** Add a layer of your favorite fruit preserves, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot, on top of the cheese filling.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the cheese filling before baking.
* **Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, on top of the cheese filling before baking.
* **Lemon Glaze:** Replace the vanilla extract in the glaze with lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
* **Maple Glaze:** Replace the vanilla extract in the glaze with maple syrup for a warm, cozy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve these Glazed Cheese Danish Squares as part of a delicious breakfast or brunch spread.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner.
* **Snack:** They make a perfect afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **Special Occasions:** These danishes are a great addition to any holiday gathering or special occasion.

Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature 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 in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 12-15g
* Cholesterol: 70-80mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-45g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 5-7g

*Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Conclusion

These Glazed Cheese Danish Squares are a truly special treat that will impress everyone who tries them. With their flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and sweet glaze, they are the perfect combination of flavors and textures. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy these homemade delights. Happy baking!