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Easy Cheese Danish

This **Easy Cheese Danish** is a buttery, flaky pastry filled with a rich and creamy sweet cheese filling. It’s the perfect balance of crisp golden layers and a smooth, slightly tangy center. Whether you’re making these for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dessert, they’re simple to prepare and taste like they came from a bakery.
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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • #### **For the Danish Pastry**
  • - 1 package 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
  • - 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - 1 egg yolk
  • - 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for tang
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • #### **For the Egg Wash**
  • - 1 egg
  • - 1 tablespoon milk
  • #### **For the Glaze Optional**
  • - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • - 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • - Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • - Electric mixer or whisk
  • - Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. #### **Step 1: Prepare the Filling**
  2. Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)** and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
  4. #### **Step 2: Cut & Shape the Pastry**
  5. Roll out puff pastry and cut each sheet into **4 squares** (for a total of 8 pieces).
  6. Lightly score a smaller square inside each piece, leaving a **1/2-inch border** (do not cut all the way through).
  7. Poke the center area with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
  8. #### **Step 3: Assemble the Danish**
  9. Place 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry.
  10. Beat egg and milk together, then brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash.
  11. Arrange pastries on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
  12. #### **Step 4: Bake & Cool**
  13. Bake for **15-18 minutes**, or until golden brown and puffed.
  14. Let cool slightly before adding glaze.
  15. #### **Step 5: Make the Glaze & Serve**
  16. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  17. Drizzle over warm danishes and enjoy!