Description
Experience melt-in-your-mouth cheese danishes with a flaky exterior and creamy filling, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp (10g) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warm
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp (250g) cold unsalted butter, for laminating
- 7 oz (200g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Fruit preserves, fresh berries, or sliced almonds for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk and active dry yeast; let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the egg and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, and mix until the dough comes together. Knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Lay cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, pound and shape the butter into an 8-inch square. Chill until firm yet pliable.
- Roll the chilled dough into a 16-inch square. Position the butter block in the center and fold the corners over the butter to seal it. Roll into a long rectangle measuring 8×24 inches. Fold into thirds like a letter and chill for 30 minutes; repeat rolling and folding two more times.
- Roll the final dough to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut it into 4-inch squares. Place a tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners or shape as preferred. Optionally top with berries or jam.
- Transfer shaped danishes to parchment-lined baking sheets. Allow them to rise for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C). Brush with egg wash or milk, then bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool completely, whisk powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice, and drizzle glaze over danishes before serving.
Notes
Make sure to use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation. Allow the danishes to rest a few minutes before serving for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg