Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

There’s something about a warm, flaky pastry stuffed with sweet, creamy cheese that just feels like a hug in food form, and this Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish hits all the right notes. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously buttery, soft Danish that’s loaded with a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this one in your breakfast rotation!

Why You’ll Love Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

You’re going to fall in love with this easy, delightful breakfast treat for so many reasons:

• Quick & Simple: Forget making dough from scratch—this recipe uses store-bought puff pastry for an easy, no-fuss breakfast that tastes like you spent hours on it.
• Flaky & Buttery: The puff pastry is golden and flaky, making each bite a perfect balance of buttery goodness and cheesy delight.
• Cream Cheese Filling: The sweet, tangy cream cheese filling is smooth and luscious, just the right amount of sweetness without being too overpowering.
• Perfect for Any Morning: Whether it’s a busy weekday, a lazy weekend, or a holiday brunch, these Danishes are perfect for any occasion.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling to suit your taste. Add a drizzle of jam, fresh fruit, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for your own personal twist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible cheese Danishes:

• Puff Pastry: The golden, flaky base that makes this Danish so light and buttery.
• Cream Cheese: The smooth, tangy filling that gives the Danish its signature rich and creamy texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens up the cream cheese filling, giving it that perfect balance of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Egg: Lightly beaten, the egg is used to brush the puff pastry for a beautiful golden finish.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh, zesty note that complements the cream cheese perfectly.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these Easy Breakfast Cheese Danishes is as simple as 1-2-3! Here’s how:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought pastry, cut it into squares (about 4-inch by 4-inch pieces) or rectangles depending on your preference. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. For an extra touch of freshness, stir in a bit of lemon zest. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of milk to smooth it out.

3. Assemble the Danishes

Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square or rectangle. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling might spill out during baking.

4. Fold the Pastry

Fold the corners of the pastry toward the center, forming a simple envelope or pinwheel shape (leaving the filling exposed). You can also just fold two opposite edges for a more traditional Danish shape.

5. Brush with Egg Wash

Brush the edges of the puff pastry with a lightly beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden brown finish once baked.

6. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. The filling should be set, and the edges should be crispy and flaky.

7. Serve

Allow the Danishes to cool slightly before serving. You can drizzle them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk or even top them with fresh berries if you like.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250 (depending on the size and ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

These cheesy, buttery pastries are perfect for breakfast or brunch, but here are a few more ways to serve them:

• With Fresh Fruit: Pair these Danishes with fresh berries, sliced apples, or citrus slices to add a burst of freshness.
• Coffee or Tea: These are perfect with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a latte for that full café-style experience.
• With Jam or Preserves: For an extra layer of sweetness, serve with a dollop of your favorite jam or preserves on the side. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam would be a perfect match!
• As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy these as a midday snack or dessert after lunch or dinner. They’re also a great option to bring to a gathering or party!

Additional Tips

• Frozen Puff Pastry: If you’re using frozen puff pastry, be sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using.
• Make Ahead: These can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Just bake them the next morning for a quick, hot breakfast.
• Add Extra Flavor: You can customize the filling with a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even almond extract for extra flavor. A handful of chocolate chips can also be added for a chocolate twist!
• Storage: If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can also be gently reheated in the oven.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these without puff pastry?
A1: While puff pastry gives these Danishes their signature flaky texture, you could use crescent roll dough or a simple pie crust as alternatives.

Q2: Can I freeze these before baking?
A2: Yes! You can assemble them and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just place them in the oven directly from the freezer—add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q3: Can I add fruit to the filling?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some fresh or cooked fruit like blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples to the cream cheese mixture for added sweetness and flavor.

Q4: How do I store leftover Danishes?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days if you prefer them chilled.

Q5: Can I make these in advance for a brunch?
A5: Yes, these can be made ahead! Assemble them the night before and keep them in the fridge. Just bake them the morning of your brunch for a warm and fresh treat.

Q6: Can I add icing to these Danishes?
A6: Of course! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a bit of milk is a great way to add some extra sweetness and shine to these Danishes.

Q7: Can I use a different cheese?
A7: Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses like mascarpone, ricotta, or even goat cheese for a unique twist.

Q8: Can I make these smaller?
A8: Absolutely! You can cut the puff pastry into smaller squares and adjust the baking time for smaller portions. They’d make perfect bite-sized treats!

Q9: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
A9: Yes, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds or even a handful of mini chocolate chips into the filling for added texture and flavor.

Q10: Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead of making the filling?
A10: While you could use cream cheese frosting in a pinch, I recommend making the homemade cream cheese filling for the best balance of tangy and sweet.

Conclusion

These Easy Breakfast Cheese Danishes are the perfect combination of buttery, flaky pastry and creamy, sweet cheese filling. They’re quick to make, beautifully golden, and perfect for any occasion where you want to enjoy something indulgent without a lot of work. Whether you’re treating yourself to a special breakfast or impressing your guests at brunch, these Danishes are sure to be a hit. So, grab your puff pastry and cream cheese, and get ready to enjoy a bite of heaven!

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