Cream Cheese Danish Pastry is a flaky, buttery treat filled with a rich and tangy cream cheese mixture, then topped with a sweet glaze. This pastry is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of the light puff pastry and creamy filling makes for a delightful, indulgent snack. The recipe is simple yet elegant, and it can easily be customized with fruit or other flavorings for a more personal touch.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

Cream cheese: 300g
Sugar: ⅓ cup

Egg yolks: 2
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Lemon zest: ½ teaspoon

For the Pastry:

Puff pastry: 400g
Egg: 1 (for egg wash)

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar: 1 cup

Milk: 2 tablespoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat 300g cream cheese and ⅓ cup sugar together until smooth and creamy.
Add the Egg Yolks: Add the 2 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully combined and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the 400g puff pastry into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
Cut the Pastry: Cut the pastry into 8 equal squares.
Shape the Pastry: Fold each square in half diagonally to form a triangle, then fold the corners inward to create a pocket or envelope shape, leaving a well in the center for the filling.

Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg with a little water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash to give it a golden color when baked.

Step 3: Assemble the Pastries

Fill the Pastries: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square.
Seal the Edges: Gently press the corners of the pastry down to keep the filling in place.

Bake: Place the assembled pastries on a lined baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
Cool: Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach a drizzling consistency.

Drizzle the Glaze: Once the pastries have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve: Serve the pastries warm or at room temperature. The flaky pastry and creamy filling pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Tips

Chill the Pastry: For best results, work with cold puff pastry. If the pastry gets too warm, it can become difficult to work with and won’t puff up as much during baking. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pastries.

Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pastry pockets. Too much filling can cause the pastry to burst or leak during baking.
Variations: You can easily customize this recipe by adding fruit to the filling. Fresh berries, sliced apples, or a spoonful of jam are excellent choices.
Keep an Eye on the Oven: Puff pastry bakes quickly, so keep an eye on the pastries in the oven. Remove them when they are golden brown and puffed, but not too dark.

Make Ahead: The cream cheese filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the pastries and freeze them before baking.

Storage

Room Temperature: These cream cheese pastries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you prefer, you can warm them slightly in the oven before serving.
Refrigeration: Since they contain cream cheese, you can also store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to bring back the flakiness of the puff pastry.

Freezing: If you want to freeze the pastries, bake them first without the glaze. Once cooled, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Pastry)

Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g

Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g

Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 180mg
Sugar: 20g

Fiber: 1g

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully with this recipe and will give you an even flakier texture. However, store-bought puff pastry is quicker and more convenient.

2. What other fillings can I use?

You can substitute the cream cheese filling with fruit preserves, Nutella, or even a custard filling. You can also combine the cream cheese filling with fruit like blueberries, strawberries, or apples.

3. How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To thicken the glaze, add more powdered sugar. To thin it out, add more milk (a teaspoon at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.

4. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The pastries will still be delicious without it, but the glaze adds extra sweetness and a nice finish.

5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer. However, full-fat cream cheese will give you a richer and creamier filling.

Conclusion

These Cream Cheese Danish Pastries are a delicious and elegant treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. With their flaky puff pastry, rich cream cheese filling, and sweet glaze, they’re sure to impress friends and family. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature, these pastries are the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. By following the step-by-step instructions, you can easily recreate this bakery-quality dessert at home.