Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 pinch salt
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg white
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp milk
Optional
- 2 Tbsp strawberry jam, thinned with 1 tsp water
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Filling: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and position your oven rack in the center. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and salt until the mixture is smooth and light in texture.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently dust off any excess flour. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Cut along the seams to create three equal-sized strips, then cut each strip in half to form six rectangles.
- Perforate Pastry Borders: Using a fork, lightly prick around the edges of each puff pastry rectangle, leaving about a half-inch border unperforated. This technique keeps the edges puffed while preventing the centers from rising too much.
- Fill Pastries: Spoon about 2 heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each pastry rectangle, spreading it evenly but keeping clear of the edges.
- Apply Egg White Wash: Beat the egg white until frothy. Using a pastry brush, lightly trace the borders of each puff pastry piece with the beaten egg white to create a shiny, golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake the Danish pastries at 400°F for 10 minutes. Then, rotate the baking sheet front to back and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the pastry borders are puffed and golden brown. Remove the pastries using a spatula and cool them on a rack.
- Make and Add Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Allow the Cheese Danish pastries to cool completely before drizzling the glaze over them so it does not melt into the warm pastry.
- Optional Jam Drizzle: For added flavor, you can drizzle the cooled Danish with 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam thinned with 1 teaspoon of water.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it to prevent tearing.
- Perforating the pastry’s border helps create that classic Danish look with raised edges holding the filling in place.
- Use a light hand with the egg white wash to avoid pooling which can affect puffing.
- Allow the pastries to cool completely before applying the glaze to maintain its texture and appearance.
- The optional strawberry jam adds a fruity note complementary to the creamy filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American