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Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish

Enjoy light, flaky pastries filled with creamy goodness—perfect for brunch or lazy Sundays.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
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.