These easy breakfast cheese danishes are made with puff pastry, a sweet cream cheese filling, and a simple glaze. They’re a delicious and impressive treat that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients:
- For the Pastry:
- 1 (17.3 ounce) package puff pastry, thawed
- For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet.
- Roll the pastry into a 12×12 inch square.
- Cut the pastry into 9 squares (3×3 grid).
- Assemble the Danishes:
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold two opposite corners of each square towards the center, slightly overlapping.
- Press the corners gently to seal.
- Bake the Danishes:
- Place the assembled danishes on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is set.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- While the danishes are baking, prepare the glaze.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze the Danishes:
- Once the danishes have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Notes:
- Puff Pastry: Make sure to thaw the puff pastry according to the package directions.
- Filling Variations: You can add other flavors to the filling, such as almond extract, cinnamon, or fruit preserves.
- Glaze Variations: You can add a splash of lemon juice or almond extract to the glaze for added flavor.
- Fruit Topping: You can top the danishes with fresh fruit before baking, such as berries or sliced peaches.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the danishes ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish!