Name: Cheese Danish Delight Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Granulated sugar; Salt; Cold unsalted butter, cubed; Cold water (as needed); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp milk; Fruit preserves or fresh berries; Chopped nuts; Mini chocolate chips

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Cheese Danish Delight is a buttery, flaky pastry filled with sweet, tangy cream cheese, baked to golden perfection. I love serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—it’s that versatile and indulgent. It’s simple enough to whip up on a cozy weekend and impressive enough to serve to guests.

Cheese Danish Delight Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this Cheese Danish delivers bakery-quality results without being overly complicated. The crisp, golden crust pairs beautifully with a soft and creamy cheese filling. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is easy to pull off with basic pantry staples. I also like that I can customize the filling depending on what I have on hand—fruit, nuts, or even chocolate. Whether I’m entertaining or treating myself, this recipe never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
salt
unsalted butter, cold and cubed
cream cheese, softened
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
large egg (for egg wash)
milk (for egg wash)

Optional add-ins:

fruit preserves or fresh berries

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough
I start by mixing the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then I add the cold butter and blend with my fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. I slowly mix in cold water just until the dough comes together, then I shape it into a disk and refrigerate it for an hour.

2. Make the Filling
While the dough chills, I prepare the filling by blending softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. It comes together into a smooth, rich, slightly tangy mixture.

3. Assemble the Danishes
Once chilled, I roll the dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle and cut it into 4×4-inch squares. I place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, fold the corners into the center, and pinch the seams to seal.

4. Bake
I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and arrange the Danishes. I brush them with an egg wash (egg beaten with milk), then bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re puffed and golden brown. I let them cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 290

Variations

Fruit-Filled: I sometimes add fruit preserves or fresh berries to the filling for a sweet-tart twist.
Nutty Delight: Chopped almonds or pecans sprinkled over the filling add crunch and depth.
Chocolate Lover’s: Mini chocolate chips make for a more decadent treat.
Gluten-Free: A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works as a substitute if needed.
Vegan Option: I use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese for a plant-based version.

Storage/Reheating

Once baked and cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I pop them into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-8 minutes until warmed through and crisp. For longer storage, I freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day ahead. I just wrap it tightly and keep it refrigerated until I’m ready to use it.

What if I don’t have a pastry cutter?

I use my fingertips or even a fork to work the butter into the flour. The key is to keep the butter cold and not overmix.

Can I freeze the Cheese Danish Delight?

Absolutely. I let them cool after baking, then freeze them in a sealed container. When I want one, I reheat it in the oven for a freshly baked texture.

How do I stop the filling from leaking out?

I make sure to pinch the dough corners well and avoid overfilling. A tight seal really helps the filling stay inside during baking.

Can I use store-bought pastry dough?

Yes, puff pastry is a great shortcut when I don’t have time to make the dough from scratch. It’s still delicious and flaky.

Conclusion

Making Cheese Danish Delight from scratch is one of those comforting rituals I return to again and again. The aroma of buttery pastry and sweet filling baking in the oven is reason enough to try it. It’s simple, customizable, and totally satisfying—everything I look for in a homemade treat. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet moment in between, this pastry always brings a little joy to my table.