Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish Recipe for Perfect Mornings

Wake Up to Bakery-Style Goodness

Ever walked by a bakery in the morning, inhaling those warm, buttery scents that practically whisper, “Come in, you deserve a treat!”? Now, imagine bringing that experience right into your kitchen with Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish! This recipe is special because you’ll enjoy light, flaky pastry filled with creamy goodness—perfect for lazy Sundays or impressing guests at brunch.

Why Make This Recipe

So, why should you roll up your sleeves and dive into this flaky goodness? Well, for starters:

• Easy to Make: Who says you need to be a pastry chef to whip up something fabulous? This recipe is pretty straightforward, even if you drop flour everywhere (which we all do, right?).
• Impressive Yet Simple: Your friends will think you’ve been to culinary school, while you know the real secret—a little love and patience go a long way. Seriously, who doesn’t love a surprise baked treat?
• Family-Friendly: Kids can help shape the danishes or get creative with toppings! Plus, who wouldn’t want to wake up to these beauties on the table?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp (10g) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warm
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp (250g) cold unsalted butter, for laminating
• 7 oz (200g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

📝 Optional: Fruit preserves, fresh berries, or sliced almonds for topping.

Directions

Let’s make these danishes divinely delicious in just a few steps!

1. Make the Dough

   • In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
   • In another bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
   • Add the egg and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix and knead until smooth (about 6–8 minutes). Cover and chill for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare Butter Block

   • Place cold butter between parchment sheets. Pound and shape into an 8-inch square. Chill until firm yet pliable.

3. Laminate the Dough

   • Roll dough into a 16-inch square. Place butter in the center like a diamond. Fold corners over to seal.
   • Roll into a long rectangle (8×24 inches). Fold into thirds like a letter. Chill for 30 minutes. Repeat rolling and folding 2 more times, chilling in between.

4. Shape the Danish

   • Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch squares.
   • Add a tablespoon of cream cheese filling to the center. Fold corners or shape as desired. Add berries or jam if using.

5. Proof and Bake

   • Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Let rise at room temperature for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C).
   • Brush with egg wash or milk. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

6. Glaze and Serve

   • Cool completely. Mix powdered sugar, milk/lemon juice, and vanilla for glaze. Drizzle and serve!

How to Make Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish Recipe for Perfect Mornings (Overview)

Let’s break it down into the nitty-gritty. Start with making the dough, which is as simple as mix, knead, and chill. Don’t skip the butter block—this step is where the magic happens. Roll it out, and fold it a few times for those killer layers. Then, shape those squares, fill ‘em up, and let them proof. The baking? Pure bliss! Pro tip: the longer you chill the dough between folds, the flakier it gets—trust me, it’s a game-changer.

How to Serve Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish Recipe for Perfect Mornings

These pastries scream versatility! Serve them warm, drizzled with glaze, and topped with fresh berries for a pop of color. The crunch of the flaky pastry paired with the soft cream cheese filling creates a delightful texture. Maybe sip some coffee or herbal tea alongside for that cozy factor. Your kitchen will smell like a fancy café, and your mornings just got a serious upgrade!

How to Store Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish Recipe for Perfect Mornings

If you have any leftovers (who are we kidding?), these danishes keep well! In an airtight container, they’ll last 2-3 days in the fridge. Or, freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that fabulous flakiness.

Tips to Make Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish Recipe for Perfect Mornings

• Chill Your Ingredients: A cold butter block is key for those flaky layers.
• Don’t Rush the Dough: Give it the time it needs to develop flavor and texture.
• Experiment with Fillings: Swap the cream cheese for a mix of ricotta and lemon zest for a twist.
• Use a Kitchen Scale: For accuracy, especially with flour; a perfect cup of flour can vary a lot!

Variation

Want to shake things up? Try adding lemon or orange zest for a citrusy zing, or mix in some berries for a fruity burst. You can even go vegan by substituting vegan butter and a plant-based cream cheese alternative. The possibilities are endless and delicious!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the dough a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and roll it out the next morning.

What if I don’t have fresh yeast? Can I use instant yeast instead?
Yes! Instant yeast can be used directly without proofing. Just mix it with the dry ingredients.

Can I freeze the baked Danish?
Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for a quick breakfast treat later!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish

Enjoy light, flaky pastries filled with creamy goodness—perfect for brunch or lazy Sundays.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American, French

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the dough

• 4 cups 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp (10g) active dry yeast
• 1 cup 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warm Warm but not hot
• 1 large 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 cup 1 cup + 2 tbsp (250g) cold unsalted butter, for laminating

For the filling

• 7 oz 7 oz (200g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon (optional) For additional flavor

For the glaze

• 1 cup 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp 1–2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
3. Add the egg and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix and knead until smooth (about 6–8 minutes). Cover and chill for 30 minutes.

Prepare Butter Block

1. Place cold butter between parchment sheets. Pound and shape into an 8-inch square. Chill until firm yet pliable.

Laminate the Dough

1. Roll dough into a 16-inch square. Place butter in the center like a diamond. Fold corners over to seal.
2. Roll into a long rectangle (8x24 inches). Fold into thirds like a letter. Chill for 30 minutes. Repeat rolling and folding 2 more times, chilling in between.

Shape the Danish

1. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch squares.
2. Add a tablespoon of cream cheese filling to the center. Fold corners or shape as desired. Add berries or jam if using.

Proof and Bake

1. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Let rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C).
3. Brush with egg wash or milk. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

Glaze and Serve

1. Cool completely. Mix powdered sugar, milk/lemon juice, and vanilla for glaze. Drizzle and serve!

Notes

These pastries can be topped with fruit preserves, fresh berries, or sliced almonds. For best results, chill your ingredients and don’t rush the dough development.