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Quick Irresistible Mini Cheese Danish

mini cheese danishes - featured image

These mini cheese danishes are flaky, buttery pastries filled with a creamy, slightly sweetened cream cheese mixture with a hint of lemon zest. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make a perfect quick treat for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 9x9 inches), thawed
  • 8 oz (225 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp milk or cream
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
  • Fresh berries (optional, for filling)
  • Jam (optional, for filling)
  • Ricotta, herbs, and grated Parmesan (optional, for savory version)
  • Chopped toasted almonds or pecans (optional, for topping)
  • Cinnamon (optional, for filling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Thaw the puff pastry sheet until pliable (about 20-25 minutes). On a lightly floured surface, roll it out gently to smooth seams and even thickness.
  4. Cut the puff pastry into 9 equal squares, approximately 3×3 inches each.
  5. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the pastry over the filling in your preferred style (corners toward center or envelope shape) and press edges lightly to seal.
  6. Beat the egg yolk with milk or cream. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each danish with the egg wash for a shiny golden finish.
  7. Place the danishes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until puffed and golden brown, checking after 12 minutes to avoid over-browning.
  8. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool for 5-10 minutes.
  9. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use to ensure flakiness. Chill filling if too soft before assembling to prevent leaking. Egg wash should be applied lightly to avoid sogginess. Danishes can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking. Reheat in oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini cheese danish, quick pastry, puff pastry recipe, cream cheese danish, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, flaky pastry, sweet danish