Homemade Breakfast Danish Pastries Recipe
This recipe for Homemade Breakfast Danish Pastries features flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture and your choice of fruit jam. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, these elegant pastries are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 8 pastries
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or blueberry)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut into evenly sized squares. Score a border around each square by lightly piercing the pastry without cutting through to create an edge. Spoon a dollop of cream cheese filling into the center of each square, then add a small spoonful of fruit jam on top of the filling.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the puff pastry squares with the beaten egg, which will help them turn a beautiful golden brown during baking. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Make Glaze: While the pastries bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a sweet glaze.
- Glaze Pastries: Once the pastries have cooled slightly, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top for a glossy, sweet finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Use cold puff pastry sheets to help them puff properly during baking.
- Score the pastry edges gently without cutting all the way through to keep the filling contained.
- Fruit jams like raspberry, apricot, or blueberry work best for a balanced sweetness and flavor.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free glaze variation.
- Sprinkling coarse sugar before baking adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the pastries.
