Indulge in a taste of pastry perfection with our Easy Cream Cheese Danishes recipe. These delectable treats feature flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling, then topped with a simple icing drizzle. Whether enjoyed with a morning cup of coffee or served as a delightful dessert, these homemade danishes are sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet. Join us as we share the steps to create these irresistible pastries that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 (17.3 oz) box puff pastry dough, thawed
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Icing:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Roll Out Pastry Dough: Unroll the thawed puff pastry dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut into Squares: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out pastry dough into squares, approximately 4×4 inches in size.
- Fill and Fold: Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square. Fold two opposite corners of the square over the filling, slightly overlapping them to create a danish shape.
- Bake: Place the filled danishes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow for expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool: Remove the baked danishes from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and thickened. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle with Icing: Once the danishes are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top of each one using a spoon or piping bag.
- Serve: Serve the cream cheese danishes immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Fruit Filling: For a fruity twist, add a spoonful of your favorite fruit preserves or pie filling to the center of each pastry square before adding the cream cheese filling.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts over the cream cheese filling before folding the pastry squares for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: For a decadent treat, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the baked danishes before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some tips to adapt this Easy Cream Cheese Danishes recipe:
- Low-Carb Dough: Use a low-carb puff pastry dough or almond flour pastry dough to keep the carb count low. These can be found in specialty grocery stores or made at home using keto-friendly ingredients.
- Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Substitute granulated erythritol or stevia for the sugar in the cream cheese filling to reduce the carb content. Be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as some sweeteners may be sweeter than sugar.
- Glaze Options: Instead of using powdered sugar for the icing, make a sugar-free glaze using powdered erythritol and almond milk. You can also add a drop of vanilla extract or almond extract for flavor.
In conclusion, our Easy Cream Cheese Danishes recipe is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create bakery-worthy pastries right in your own kitchen. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cream cheese danishes are sure to impress your family and friends with their irresistible flavor and flaky texture.
So, preheat your oven, roll out the pastry dough, and get ready to indulge in the heavenly aroma of freshly baked danishes. With their creamy filling, golden crust, and sweet icing drizzle, these homemade treats are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use frozen puff pastry dough instead of thawed? A: Yes, you can use frozen puff pastry dough for this recipe. Be sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before rolling it out and filling it with the cream cheese mixture.
Q: Can I make these danishes ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the danishes ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight before baking. Simply cover the prepared pastries with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if baking them directly from the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze leftover danishes? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover cream cheese danishes for up to 3 months. Wrap each pastry individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. To reheat, thaw the danishes in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I use flavored cream cheese for the filling? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use flavored cream cheese such as strawberry, blueberry, or cinnamon raisin for a fun twist on this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling accordingly, as flavored cream cheese may already contain added sweetness.
Q: Can I skip the icing? A: While the icing adds a sweet finishing touch to these danishes, you can certainly omit it if you prefer. Alternatively, you can dust the baked danishes with powdered sugar or serve them plain for a simpler presentation.
