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Homemade Cheese Danish – Buttery, Flaky, and Filled with Sweet Cream Cheese Goodness!

Imagine waking up to the smell of buttery, flaky pastry filled with a lightly sweetened cream cheese center — that's the magic of a Homemade Cheese Danish. A staple in bakeries across Europe and America, this delicious breakfast or dessert pastry feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you're hosting brunch, treating your family to something special, or simply craving a bakery-style delight without the trip, this cheese Danish is your go-to. The combination of golden pastry, silky cream cheese, and a hint of vanilla delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll want again and again. With just a few ingredients and no need for store-bought dough, you’ll be amazed at how easily this breakfast classic comes together — and tastes better than anything from a box.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
bake & Chill Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 Danishes
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥚 Produits frais:
  • 1 large egg
🧂 Aides culinaires et épices:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
🧈 Produits laitiers:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • ½ cup cream cheese softened
  • 1 tbsp milk for egg wash or glaze
  • Tip: Use full-fat cream cheese and real butter for that classic rich flavor.

Equipment

  • To bring your cheese Danish dreams to life, gather:
  • Mixing bowls (medium and small)
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rolling Pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Pastry brush
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl:
  2. Combine 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt.
  3. Cut in 1 cup cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together:
  5. 1 egg
  6. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  7. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and gently mix until dough begins to come together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30–45 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
  1. While the dough chills, in a small bowl beat together:
  2. ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  3. ¼ cup powdered sugar
  4. Optional: add a splash of vanilla or lemon zest for extra flavor
  5. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
  1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Cut into 6–8 even squares.
  2. Place squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Shape & Fill
  1. Using a spoon, drop about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each square.
  2. To shape:
  3. Fold the corners of the dough toward the center, lightly pressing to secure.
  4. Or, simply leave them open-faced with filling in the middle for a rustic look.
Step 5: Brush & Bake
  1. In a small bowl, whisk:
  2. 1 tbsp milk + any remaining egg (if not fully used in the dough)
  3. Brush the pastry edges lightly with the egg wash.
  4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 6: Cool & Glaze (Optional)
  1. Let pastries cool on a rack for 5–10 minutes.
  2. Optional glaze: Mix 2 tbsp powdered sugar with a few drops of milk and drizzle over cooled Danishes.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Oven: 300°F for 5–7 minutes for best results
Microwave: 15–20 seconds (filling may soften slightly)
Best enjoyed warm but still delicious at room temp.
🥄 Variations
Change up your filling or shape:
Fruit-Topped: Add a dollop of fruit jam or preserves on top of the cheese filling before baking
Lemon Cheese: Add lemon zest and juice to the filling for a citrus twist
Berry Danish: Top with fresh blueberries, raspberries, or thin strawberry slices
Almond Danish: Mix almond extract into the filling and top with sliced almonds before baking
Savory Option: Use less sugar and fill with herbed cream cheese and smoked salmon or ham
Puff Pastry Shortcut: Use pre-rolled puff pastry for a quicker version (just cut, fill, and bake!)
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Puff pastry or crescent roll dough work well for a faster alternative.
2. Can I freeze cheese Danishes?
You can freeze baked and cooled Danishes. Wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven.
3. Is cream cheese the only filling option?
Nope! You can use mascarpone, ricotta, or flavored whipped cream cheese for variety.
4. How do I make it sweeter?
Add more powdered sugar to the cream cheese filling or drizzle with icing after baking.
5. Can I make them the night before?
Yes. Assemble Danishes (minus the egg wash), cover, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.
6. What can I use instead of a glaze?
Dust with powdered sugar or brush with warmed fruit preserves for a shiny finish.
7. Why did my pastry shrink or puff unevenly?
Make sure the dough is chilled before baking and don’t overwork it when rolling out.
8. Do I need a stand mixer?
Not at all! A hand mixer or even a fork and bowl work fine for the filling and dough.
9. Can I make mini Danishes?
Absolutely — cut smaller squares and reduce baking time by 3–5 minutes.
10. How can I make them look more bakery-style?
Use a fork to crimp edges, brush with egg wash generously, and drizzle glaze once fully cooled.
🏁 Conclusion
This Homemade Cheese Danish recipe delivers everything you crave in a bakery pastry — flaky layers, rich cream cheese filling, and a subtle sweetness in every bite. It’s an impressive yet simple bake, perfect for elevating breakfast, spoiling guests at brunch, or just treating yourself to something beautiful and buttery.
Once you’ve made it from scratch, you’ll never settle for a plastic-wrapped version again. With endless variations and foolproof instructions, you’ve got a new classic in your baking rotation.