Introduction

Homemade breakfast Danish pastries are a delightful treat that’s easier to make than you might think. With flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and a fruity jam center, these pastries bring a bakery favorite right to your kitchen.

The image shows several round pastries with three main layers. The bottom layer is a golden-brown puff pastry with a flaky texture. Above this is a creamy, pale yellow cheese layer that looks soft and thick. The top layer is another golden puff pastry, slightly smaller, with a shiny finish and a dollop of dark purple blueberry jam in the center. White icing is drizzled around the jam, creating stripes that extend to the edges. The pastries rest on a dark surface, which should be imagined as a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or blueberry)
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into equal squares, about 3 to 4 inches wide.
Step 4: Lightly score a border about 1 inch from the edges on each square without cutting all the way through. This will help form the pastry edges when baked.
Step 5: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, then add a small dollop of jam on top of the cheese filling.
Step 6: Brush the edges of each square with the beaten egg wash. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar over the edges for extra crunch and sparkle.
Step 7: Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Step 8: While the pastries bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 9: Once the pastries have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

For a brighter cheese flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cream cheese mixture.
Use your favorite seasonal jams or fresh fruit preserves to change up the flavor profile.
If puff pastry is not available, you can use phyllo dough layers, but be sure to adjust baking time accordingly.
For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with coconut cream and use a vegan puff pastry.

Storage

Store any leftover Danish pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer keeping, refrigerate them for up to 4 days, and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain flakiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry crisp.

How to Serve

The image shows six round pastries with a golden brown, flaky dough base. Each pastry has a white icing drizzle across the top, with a small round well filled with deep purple fruit jam in the center. The pastries have a slightly shiny and crispy outer crust, with soft layers visible around the edges. They are placed directly on a white marbled surface, closely arranged without any plate. The focus is on the front pastry, with the others softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these Danish pastries ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pastries and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Bake as directed when ready.

What other fillings work well in these pastries?

Besides cream cheese and fruit jam, almond paste, chocolate chips, or nut butters make delicious fillings. Experiment with combinations to find your favorite.