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Flaky Cream Cheese Danish Pastry Delight

Flaky Cream Cheese Danish Pastry - featured image
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A quick and easy homemade Danish pastry with a flaky buttery crust and a luscious cream cheese filling, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ½ cup (120 ml) cold water
  • 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp (6 g) salt
  • 1 tsp (4 g) active dry yeast (optional)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (optional glaze)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk or cream (optional glaze)
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract (optional glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast (if using). Cut in cold butter cubes until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
  2. Slowly pour in cold water, mixing gently until dough starts to come together. Avoid overworking.
  3. Shape dough into a flat disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  4. Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate.
  5. Lightly flour surface and rolling pin. Roll dough into a 12×12 inch square about ¼ inch thick. Chill if too soft.
  6. Cut dough into 9 equal squares (about 4×4 inches each).
  7. Place a tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold corners toward center, overlapping slightly and pressing to seal.
  8. Place pastries on lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake pastries for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
  10. Optional: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle over warm pastries once cooled slightly.

Notes

Keep butter cold to achieve flaky layers. Chill dough between steps. Don’t overfill pastries to prevent leaking. Use parchment or silicone mat for easy cleanup. Let dough proof for lighter pastries. Reheat leftovers in oven to refresh crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Danish pastry, cream cheese pastry, flaky pastry, breakfast pastry, homemade Danish, easy pastry recipe

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/flaky-cream-cheese-danish-pastry-delight-easy-homemade-recipe-with-step-by-step-guide/