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Delicious Mini Cheese Danish Recipe

4.5 from 118 reviews

Delicious Mini Cheese Danish are flaky, buttery pastries filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling and topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. These bite-sized treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, offering a delightful combination of crisp puff pastry and rich cream cheese sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry:

  • 1 package Puff Pastry (store-bought, thawed)

Filling:

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with sugar alternative)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure for best flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (optional)

Finishing:

  • 1 beaten Egg (can be replaced with milk)

Glaze:

  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (no direct replacement)
  • 1 tbsp Milk (dairy-free options available)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  2. Prepare the Pastry Squares: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3×3 inch squares, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent baking.
  3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and creamy.
  4. Fill the Pastry: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, spreading it slightly but keeping it centered to avoid leakage during baking.
  5. Shape the Danish: Fold the corners of each square toward the center to create a traditional Danish shape or leave them open-faced if you prefer. This step affects the final appearance and texture slightly.
  6. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden-brown finish after baking.
  7. Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
  8. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the Mini Cheese Danish cool slightly on a wire rack to prevent sogginess and allow the pastry to set.
  9. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable.
  10. Drizzle the Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled Danish pastries, allowing it to set before serving.
  11. Serve: Serve the Mini Cheese Danish warm alongside your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
  • Thaw puff pastry completely before cutting to avoid cracking or uneven edges.
  • You can leave the Danish open-faced or fold in the corners depending on your preference.
  • The lemon juice is optional but adds a bright note to the filling.
  • Use beaten egg or milk for brushing to achieve either a shiny or matte finish on your pastry.
  • The glaze is best applied when the pastries have cooled slightly to prevent melting.

Keywords: Mini Cheese Danish, Puff Pastry Dessert, Cream Cheese Pastry, Breakfast Pastry, Sweet Danish