Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish – Flaky and Delicious
This easy breakfast cheese Danish combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, lightly sweetened cream cheese filling. It’s a simple bakery-style treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or a weekend coffee break.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry – Thawed according to package directions
- 8 oz cream cheese – Softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the filling
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the filling and creates a golden egg wash
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warm classic flavor
- 1 tsp lemon juice – Brightens the cream cheese filling
- ½ cup powdered sugar – For dusting or making a simple glaze
- 1 tbsp milk – Optional for thinning the glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: Add softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Smooth out any creases without overworking the dough.
- Add the cheese filling: Cut the pastry into portions and place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each piece, leaving space around the edges.
- Shape the Danish: Fold and shape the pastry around the filling. Gently press the edges to help keep the filling contained.
- Brush with egg wash: Beat the remaining egg and lightly brush it over the exposed pastry edges. Avoid covering the cream cheese filling.
- Bake the Danish: Place the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and finish: Let the Danish cool for several minutes. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with the optional glaze before serving.
Notes
- Keep the puff pastry cold while working with it for the flakiest results.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened so the filling becomes smooth and easy to spread.
- Don't overfill the pastry, as the cream cheese mixture can spread during baking.
- For an extra bakery-style finish, drizzle the cooled Danish with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the baked Danish for up to 2 months and reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and crisp.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Calcium: 35mg
- Iron: 1mg