Why Make This Recipe
Cheese Danish Delight is a delightful pastry that is perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. This recipe is simple to follow, and the combination of flaky dough and creamy cheese filling is sure to please everyone. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy at home, Cheese Danish Delight brings a touch of bakery goodness right to your kitchen.
How to Make Cheese Danish Delight
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup of cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into squares, approximately 4×4 inches.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners of the square towards the center to create a pocket and pinch to seal.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over each Danish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Letcool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Cheese Danish Delight
Cheese Danish Delight can be served warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. You could also dust them with a little powdered sugar for extra sweetness before serving.
How to Store Cheese Danish Delight
Store any leftover Cheese Danish Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them by placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Tips to Make Cheese Danish Delight
- Ensure the butter is cold when making the dough. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Don’t skip refrigerating the dough. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
- Experiment with fillings! You can add fruit preserves or chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for different flavors.
Variation
For a fruity twist, try adding a tablespoon of fruit preserves, like raspberry or blueberry, with the cream cheese filling. This adds a burst of flavor and color to your Cheese Danish Delight.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day earlier and keep it in the fridge. Just roll it out and continue with the recipe when you’re ready.
2. Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! You can use other soft cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
3. How can I tell when the Danishes are done?
They are done when they are golden brown and have a nice puff. Keeping an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking is a good idea to avoid over-baking.
Cheese Danish Delight
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed Ensure butter is cold for a flaky texture.
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash Ingredients
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
Preparation of Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup of cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Baking the Danishes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into squares, approximately 4×4 inches.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners of the square towards the center to create a pocket and pinch to seal.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over each Danish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.