These Mini Cheese Danishes Are Irresistibly Easy

Mini Cheese Danishes are flaky, buttery pastries filled with sweet cream cheese and finished with a light glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or afternoon treats, this easy cheese danish recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Using store-bought puff pastry keeps the process simple while still producing impressive homemade pastries.

If you’re looking for quick breakfast pastries that taste elegant yet require just a handful of ingredients, these mini cheese danishes are exactly what you need. The crisp, golden layers of puff pastry combined with smooth cream cheese filling create a texture contrast that feels indulgent without being overly rich.

Whether served at a holiday brunch table or prepared for weekend meal prep, this homemade danish recipe is reliable, adaptable, and consistently delicious.

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Why You’ll Love These Mini Cheese Danishes

• Flaky, buttery puff pastry layers
• Creamy, lightly sweetened filling
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Perfect for brunch or holidays
• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead ready

This puff pastry cream cheese pastry comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.

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Ingredients

For the Danishes

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   Roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly. Cut into 9 equal squares.
3. Shape the Danishes:
   Fold the corners slightly inward or create a small border around the edges to form a shallow well in the center.
4. Make the Filling:
   In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Fill the Centers:
   Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into the center of each square.
6. Apply Egg Wash:
   Beat the remaining egg and brush lightly over the pastry edges.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
   Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Glaze and Cool:
   Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled danishes before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Mini Cheese Danishes

1. Keep Pastry Cold

Cold puff pastry puffs better in the oven.

2. Don’t Overfill

Too much filling can cause leakage during baking.

3. Chill Before Baking

If pastry becomes warm while shaping, chill for 10 minutes before baking.

4. Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese

Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest texture and flavor.

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Flavor Variations

Berry Cheese Danishes

Add a spoonful of raspberry or blueberry jam on top of the cream cheese filling.

Lemon Cream Cheese

Mix lemon zest into the filling for brightness.

Chocolate Swirl

Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture.

Almond Danish

Add a drop of almond extract and top with sliced almonds.

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Serving Suggestions

Mini cheese danishes are perfect for:

• Holiday brunch tables
• Baby showers
• Coffee mornings
• Weekend breakfasts
• Meal prep snacks

Pair with:

• Fresh fruit
• Coffee or tea
• Yogurt parfaits
• Mimosas

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes.
• Freeze baked danishes up to 1 month.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but puff pastry gives a flakier result.

Can I prepare the filling ahead?
Yes, the filling can be refrigerated up to 24 hours.

Do they need refrigeration?
Yes, store leftovers in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese filling.

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Final Thoughts

Mini Cheese Danishes offer the perfect combination of flaky pastry and creamy sweetness. This easy cheese danish recipe transforms simple ingredients into elegant quick breakfast pastries suitable for holidays, brunch, or everyday indulgence. With minimal prep time and reliable results, this homemade danish recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.