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Easy Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danishes

Flaky, golden puff pastry squares filled with a rich and creamy sweet cheese filling. A simple, bakery-quality breakfast.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 danishes
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pastry
  • 1 box puff pastry sheets thawed (2 sheets)
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 tsp water (for wash)
Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
Glaze
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp milk

Equipment

  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
  3. Unfold thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares.
  4. Lightly score a border 1/2 inch from the edge of each square using a knife (do not cut through).
  5. Place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each square, spreading slightly within the border.
  6. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
  8. Whisk powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over warm danishes before serving.

Notes

Ensure puff pastry is cold before baking for maximum rise. Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer or toaster oven.