Description
These Delicious Mini Cheese Danishes are flaky, golden puff pastry squares filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture, finished with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfectly portioned for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert to enjoy alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
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 (use pure extract for best flavor)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (optional)
Egg Wash
- 1 beaten Egg (can be replaced with milk)
Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (no direct replacement)
- 1 tbsp Milk (dairy-free options available)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Pastry Squares: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3×3 inch squares for uniform mini danishes.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Fill Pastries: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square, being careful not to overfill to prevent leaking during baking.
- Shape Danishes: Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center to create a pinwheel shape, or leave them open-faced for a traditional look.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry with the beaten egg or milk to achieve a shiny, golden-brown finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack to set before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the cream cheese mixture.
- The lemon juice enhances flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- You can customize the filling by adding fruit preserves or fresh fruit on top before baking.
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed for easier handling and better texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mini cheese danish, puff pastry dessert, cream cheese danish, easy dessert, breakfast pastry
