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Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish Recipe for Perfect Mornings Recipe

Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish Recipe for Perfect Mornings Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 32 reviews

This Deliciously Flaky Cheese Danish recipe combines buttery, laminated dough with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling, perfect for elevating your morning breakfast or brunch. The pastry is tender, golden, and topped with a simple vanilla glaze that complements the rich filling, making it a delightful treat that friends and family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 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

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

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

For the Glaze:

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

Optional Toppings:

  • Fruit preserves
  • Fresh berries
  • Sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk with active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Add the egg and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make laminating easier.
  2. Prepare Butter Block: Place the cold unsalted butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin or kitchen mallet to pound and shape the butter into an 8-inch square block. Chill until the butter is firm but still pliable, which helps it incorporate cleanly into the dough without melting.
  3. Laminate the Dough: Roll the chilled dough into a 16-inch square on a floured surface. Position the butter block in the center of the dough like a diamond shape. Fold each corner of the dough over the butter to seal it completely. Roll the dough into a long rectangle measuring approximately 8 by 24 inches. Fold the rectangle into thirds like a letter, turn it 90 degrees, and chill for 30 minutes. Repeat the rolling, folding, and chilling two more times to create layers that result in the flaky texture.
  4. Shape the Danish: Roll the laminated dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 4-inch squares. Place about one tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners toward the center or shape the pastries as desired. Add optional fruit preserves, fresh berries, or sliced almonds on top before baking, if using.
  5. Proof and Bake: Place the shaped pastries on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Let them rise at room temperature for about 1 hour until puffy. Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Brush the tops gently with egg wash or milk for a shiny finish. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the Danish pastries are golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Glaze and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool completely on a wire rack. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Danishes. Serve immediately and enjoy a perfect flaky, creamy breakfast treat.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter for laminating is cold but pliable so it integrates smoothly into the dough layers.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and texture in the filling.
  • Chilling the dough between folds is crucial to maintain layers and prevent butter from melting.
  • If desired, customize the filling with zest from other citrus fruits like orange or lime for varied flavor.
  • The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less milk/lemon juice to achieve desired thickness.
  • For an egg wash, lightly beat an egg with a tablespoon of water before brushing the pastry tops before baking.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese danish, flaky pastry, cream cheese filling, breakfast pastry, laminated dough, homemade danish, morning treat

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/deliciously-flaky-cheese-danish-recipe-for-perfect-mornings-recipe/