Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Egg Wash & Glaze
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for glaze (optional)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the pastries evenly.
- Prepare Pastry Squares: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6 equal squares to create individual Danish bases.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Danishes: Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each puff pastry square. Gently fold the edges of each square slightly toward the center, leaving some of the filling visible.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the whole egg and brush the edges of each Danish with the egg wash. This helps create a glossy, golden finish after baking.
- Bake: Place the prepared Danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): While the Danishes bake, mix powdered sugar with milk to create a smooth glaze. Once the pastries have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the tops for extra sweetness and an attractive finish.
Notes
- For a fruity twist, add a spoonful of your favorite fruit preserves on top of the cream cheese filling before folding the pastry edges.
- Store any leftover Danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving to maintain flakiness.
- If you prefer, you can substitute granulated sugar with a natural sweetener of choice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
