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A hand spreads red fruit jam on a cream cheese danish with a spoon, next to another pastry topped with white icing.

Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Author: Jessica Haggard
If Starbucks cheese danish is your go-to treat, this homemade version is a must-try. It’s flaky, creamy, and comes together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients. Great for breakfast, a relaxed brunch, or a quiet moment with your favorite drink, it’s an easy way to bring coffee shop vibes into your own kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8 pastries
Calories 361 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed in the refrigerator overnight
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 whole egg whisked
  • 1 tablespoon water

For the glaze:

Instructions
 

  • Set your oven to 400 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment so you're ready to go.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar until it’s smooth and creamy.
  • Lightly flour your surface, then roll out the puff pastry. Cut each sheet into 8 equal rectangles and space them out on your prepared baking sheet.
  • Whisk the egg with a little water to make the egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry and fold in the corners just a bit, about ¾ inch.
  • Divide the filling evenly and spread it gently in the center of each piece. Give the edges one more brush of egg wash.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, rotate the pan, then bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the pastries are puffed and golden.
  • While they cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the pastries and serve warm or at room temp.

Notes

  • Keeping the pastry cold helps it bake up tall and flaky.
  • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the pastry so it puffs up evenly.
  • Too much filling can cause leaks. A spoonful per danish is just right.
  • Use a light hand with the egg wash to keep the edges crisp, not soggy
  • Let the danishes cool a bit so the glaze sets nicely instead of melting off.
  • Layer a few fresh berries or peach slices over the cream cheese before baking. You can also spoon a little jam or fruit preserves on top after baking, right before glazing.
Serve: Cream cheese danish is perfect with coffee, tea, or a cappuccino for that cozy café feel. For brunch, serve it with fresh fruit, yogurt, or eggs.
Store: Keep cream cheese danish in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep it crisp. To freeze, place in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge and warm before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pastryCalories: 361kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 175mgPotassium: 71mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 417IUCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
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