Homemade Breakfast Danish Pastries Recipe
Delight in these Homemade Breakfast Danish Pastries featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture and your choice of fruit jam. Topped with a shiny egg wash and a delicate vanilla glaze, these pastries make a perfect indulgent breakfast or brunch treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pastries 1x
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 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)
Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into squares approximately 3-4 inches in size. Lightly score about 1/2 inch from the edges of each square to create a border. Within this border, spoon a dollop of the cream cheese filling followed by a spoonful of your chosen fruit jam into the center of each square.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the edges (border) of each pastry square with the beaten egg wash to help them turn golden brown and crisp during baking. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar over the edges for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastries spaced evenly on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Make Glaze: While the pastries bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk (starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more if needed to reach desired consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the pastries are baked and cooled slightly, drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your freshly made Danish pastries warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry completely before working to prevent tearing and achieve optimal puffiness.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer filling.
- Try different fruit jams or preserves to customize flavor combinations.
- For an extra glossy finish, double brush the egg wash before baking.
- Store leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: Danish pastries, breakfast recipes, puff pastry, cream cheese filling, fruit jam, homemade pastries, vanilla glaze, easy breakfast
