Layers of flaky puff pastry folded around a simple creamy filling makes these cream cheese Danishes a wonderful indulgence for any time of day.

cream cheese danishes on a plate with a cup of coffee

Did you know that cream cheese Danishes are actually really easy to make at home? No need to run to the bakery or a fancy buffet spread!

All you need is puff pastry, cream cheese, and handful of other basic ingredients, and a little more than 30 minutes to make these danishes.

And I promise that first bite of flaky buttery pastry with rich and creamy filling will make a believer out of you— homemade is better than store-bought!

cream cheese danish ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Puff pastry— you can use store-bought, but I encourage you to try making your own. I have a full tutorial here!
  • Cream cheese
  • Egg yolks
  • Lemon zest
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Egg wash (beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

mixing cream cheese filling with mixer

How to Make Cream Cheese Danishes

1. Prepare filling. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add egg yolks, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt and mix until combined.

2. Roll and cut puff pastry. On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry to an approximate 18-inch square. Trim edges and cut into 9 even squares.

rolled out puff pastry cut into squares

3. Assemble Danishes. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling into the center of each square and spread diagonally. Brush 2 opposing corners with egg wash and fold them together over the filling, pressing to seal. Brush the rest of the puff pastry with more egg wash.

spreading cream cheese filling on dough and folding it over

4. Bake. Bake Danishes in a 400°F oven until puffed and golden, 20-25 minutes.

5. Enjoy. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy immediately! Danishes are best the day they are baked, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

cream cheese danishes, before and after baking

Tips for These Danishes

  • If using frozen puff pastry, thaw before using. Place in the fridge overnight, or let it rest on the counter for 30-60 minutes.
  • For a smooth filling, the cream cheese and egg yolks need to be at room temperature.
  • If your forgot to pull your cream cheese out of the fridge early, see my tips to quickly soften cream cheese.
  • Danishes come in many shapes! This is just one suggestion, and here’s a demonstration of a few more ideas.
  • If the two top corners are not sealed well, they’ll pop apart during baking (see photo on the right, above). They’ll still taste delicious but won’t look as perfect. Make sure to use plenty of egg wash and really press them together to seal.
  • Cream cheese Danishes can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before baking. Store in a single layer on a sheet pan or in a ziplock bag for several weeks. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes of baking time if needed.

cream cheese danishes on a plate

Shop Tools for this Recipe



This recipe was originally published September 2015.

cream cheese danishes on a plate with a cup of coffee

Cream Cheese Danishes

Servings: 9 danishes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Layers of flaky puff pastry folded around a simple creamy filling makes these cream cheese Danishes a wonderful indulgence for any time of day.

Ingredients
 

For the Danish:

  • 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry , store-bought or make your own
  • 8 ounces cream cheese , softened
  • cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water , egg wash
  • Powdered sugar , for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • In the bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment or in large bowl with hand-held mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Add egg yolks, vanilla, salt and lemon zest and mix until just incorporated.
  • On floured surface, roll puff pastry into an approximate 18-inch square. Cut into 9 squares.
  • Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling into center of each square. Brush two opposing corners with egg wash, then fold over the filling in the center, pressing gently to seal. Brush rest of the puff pastry with egg wash.
  • Bake until puffed and golden, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
  • Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
  • Danishes are best the day they are made but will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Calories: 382kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 101mg, Sodium: 252mg, Potassium: 75mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 24g, Vitamin A: 475IU, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: French
Course: Breakfast
Author: Annalise
Have you tried this recipe?I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and review below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious.

Disclosure: This recipe was made with Real® Butter in partnership with the American Butter Institute. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands and campaigns I believe in, which make it easier for me to bring you new and creative content. All opinions are always my own. To see all of the recipes I have created for Go Bold with Butter, click here.