Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

Here’s a recipe for Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish, a simple yet delicious treat to brighten up your morning! These soft and flaky pastries are filled with a creamy cheese filling that’s perfectly sweetened, making them the ideal breakfast or snack.

Ingredients (Makes 8 Danishes):

For the pastry:

1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought, thawed if frozen)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

For the cheese filling:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a touch of tang)
1 egg yolk (optional, for richness)

For the glaze:

1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon milk (or more to reach desired consistency)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the oven and pastry:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 8 squares.

2. Make the cheese filling:

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using). Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk (if using) and mix well.

3. Assemble the danishes:

Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square.
Gently fold the edges of the pastry in toward the center to form a square or rectangle, leaving the center open to show the filling.
Beat the egg and milk together to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash to give it a golden finish when baked.

4. Bake:

Place the assembled danishes on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy, and the cheese filling is set and lightly browned.

5. Prepare the glaze:

While the danishes are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.

6. Finish and serve:

Once the danishes are baked and cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top of each one.
Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your homemade Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish!

Tips:

Make ahead: You can prepare the cheese filling and assemble the danishes the night before. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake in the morning.
Filling variations: You can add fruit like blueberries, strawberries, or apples to the cheese filling for extra flavor.
For a crispier pastry: Place the baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven while baking to get an extra crispy bottom.

These Easy Breakfast Cheese Danishes are the perfect way to start your day with a warm, flaky pastry and creamy filling.