Mini Cheese Danish has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during family brunches. The flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry combined with a rich, creamy filling create a delightful experience that transports me back to cozy mornings at my favorite bakery. The aroma of baking danishes fills the air as they rise beautifully in the oven. These miniature cheese pastries are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them perfect for special occasions or a simple weekend breakfast. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mini Cheese Danish
- Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect for brunch or a sweet afternoon snack
- Freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy them anytime
- Simple ingredients you likely have at home
- Great for sharing with family and friends
- Variations can cater to different tastes and dietary needs
- They look impressive but are easy to make, even for beginners
Ingredients for Mini Cheese Danish
Here’s everything you need for these delightful pastries:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed – provides a flaky base
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – creamy filling
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – sweetens the cheese mixture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds flavor
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest – brightens the filling
- 1 egg yolk – enriches the filling and helps bind
- 1 whole egg (for egg wash) – gives a golden finish
- 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash) – thins the egg for easy brushing
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for glaze) – adds sweetness
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for glaze) – helps create a drizzleable consistency
How to Make Mini Cheese Danish
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1 egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Roll out the 1 sheet puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 3-inch squares.
- Step 4: Spoon a dollop of the cheese mixture into the center of each square.
- Step 5: Fold the corners toward the center and press gently, or leave them open-faced for a different look.
- Step 6: Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 7: Beat the remaining 1 whole egg with 1 teaspoon water and brush it lightly over the tops of the danishes.
- Step 8: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown and flaky.
- Step 9: Let cool slightly. For a glaze, mix 3 tablespoons powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk and drizzle over the cooled danishes.
Pro Tips for the Best Mini Cheese Danish
Follow these tips for perfect results every time:
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overfill the pastries to avoid spilling during baking.
- Experiment with different fillings like fruit preserves or chocolate.
What’s the secret to perfect Mini Cheese Danish?
The key is to use a good quality Danish pastry with cheese and to handle the puff pastry gently. Keeping it cold until you bake it ensures the layers puff up beautifully!
Can I make Mini Cheese Danish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and shape the pastries a day in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mini Cheese Danish?
Be mindful of the baking time; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly. Also, ensure your oven is preheated for even baking.
Best Ways to Serve Mini Cheese Danish
These pastries are perfect on their own, but you can enhance your serving by pairing them with fresh fruit, a side of yogurt, or a dusting of powdered sugar. They make a delightful addition to any brunch spread alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
Nutrition Facts for Mini Cheese Danish
Per serving (1 danish):
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Mini Cheese Danish
To store your homemade cheese Danish pastry, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Cheese Danish
Can I freeze Mini Cheese Danish?
Yes! You can freeze them before or after baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute with ricotta cheese for a lighter filling or mascarpone for a richer flavor.
How do I prevent my pastries from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake them until golden and crispy. Avoid overfilling, and let them cool on a wire rack to prevent moisture buildup.
Variations of Mini Cheese Danish You Can Try
Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips to the filling for a sweet twist or incorporate fresh fruit like berries or apples. Experimenting with different cheeses, such as goat cheese or feta, can also lead to a delightful cheese-filled Danish experience.
Print
Mini Cheese Danish: 12 Deliciously Flaky Bites
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mini Cheese Danish recipe is a quick and easy breakfast pastry with creamy cheese filling and flaky puff pastry. Ideal for brunch, holidays, or sweet snacking, these individual danishes are freezer-friendly and come together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 whole egg (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and egg yolk until smooth.
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 3-inch squares.
- Spoon a dollop of the cheese mixture into the center of each square.
- Fold the corners toward the center and press gently, or leave open-faced.
- Transfer pastries to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Beat egg with water and brush lightly over the tops.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly. For glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk and drizzle over cooled danishes.
Notes
- These danishes are best served warm.
- They can be made ahead and frozen for later use.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sugar in the filling and glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
