Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe for Delicious Breakfasts
Are you looking for a delightful way to start your day? This Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite breakfast treats. Flaky and buttery Danish pastry dough enveloping a sweet cream cheese filling makes for a satisfying combination. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee, tea, or juice, this recipe is sure to brighten your mornings!
Ingredients & Kitchen Tools
Ingredients:
– 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 package (17.5 oz) pre-made Danish pastry dough (or puff pastry)
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Kitchen Tools:
– Mixing bowl
– Hand mixer or whisk
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Pastry brush
– Rolling pin (if needed)
Prep & Cook Time
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
– Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Danish pastries bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Roll Out the Dough: If your Danish pastry dough is not rolled out, do so on a floured surface using a rolling pin to about 1/8-inch thickness. Ensure it’s large enough to cut into triangles or squares.
4. Cut the Dough: Depending on your preferred shape, cut the dough into squares (about 4×4 inches) or triangles. This will be the base for your cream cheese filling.
5. Add the Filling: Place a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough square or triangle. Be careful not to overfill!
6. Fold the Dough: If you’re using squares, fold each corner towards the center and pinch to seal. For triangles, simply fold over and press the edges to seal.
7. Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the Danish pastries. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
8. Bake: Place the Danish pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow them to cool slightly. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Benefits or Advantages
This Easy Cream Cheese Danish not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers some nutritional benefits. Cream cheese provides calcium and protein, while using pre-made Danish pastry dough can save time without sacrificing flavor. You can enjoy a heartwarming breakfast without the hassle of making everything from scratch!
Tips, Variations, or Substitutions
– Fruit Additions: Feel free to add fruit like blueberries, strawberries, or cherries into the cream cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor.
– Swaps: If you don’t have Danish pastry dough, puff pastry can be a suitable alternative.
– Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill your pastries; this can lead to leaks or uneven baking.
– Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated for even cooking. An unheated or uneven temperature can affect the texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their flaky texture. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but they may lose some crispiness.
Conclusion
Enjoy making this Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe as part of your breakfast routine. It’s simple, quick, and offers endless possibilities! Be sure to share your creations with friends and family, and don’t forget to come back for more delicious recipes. Happy baking!
FAQs
1. Can I freeze the cream cheese Danish?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastries. Once you’ve cut and filled them, wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month.
2. How do I know when they are done baking?
Look for a golden brown color on the tops; insert a toothpick in the filling to check if it’s set.
3. Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade Danish pastry dough, follow a trusted recipe for best results.
4. Is there a dairy-free option for the cream cheese?
Yes, there are several plant-based cream cheese alternatives available that you can use in this recipe.
