There’s something incredibly joyful about making pastries at home, isn’t there? The smell of buttery dough filling the kitchen while you whip up something delicious is pure magic. I can’t help but smile when I make these easy breakfast cheese danishes! They’re not only super simple but also bursting with creamy goodness that makes mornings feel special. Trust me, even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a pastry chef as you roll out that puff pastry and fill it with a delightful cream cheese mixture. It’s a treat that’s perfect for lazy weekends or even surprise guests. Once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on the combination of flaky pastry and sweet, rich filling—it’s just too good to resist!
Ingredients for Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
To make these delightful danishes, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package of puff pastry, thawed (this makes the base flaky and buttery)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (it should be nice and creamy for easy mixing)
- 1/4 cup sugar (to add just the right amount of sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for that lovely, aromatic flavor)
- 1 egg, beaten (this will help seal the pastry and give it a golden finish)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing on top to create a shiny glaze)
- 1 tbsp milk (combine it with the egg yolk for an extra gloss)
These ingredients are super easy to find, and I promise, the result is worth every effort!
How to Prepare Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Making these easy breakfast cheese danishes is a delightful process, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way! Let’s dive right in!
Prepping the Puff Pastry
First things first, you’ll want to thaw your puff pastry. Just take it out of the freezer and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once it’s pliable, lightly flour your surface and roll it out gently. You want it to be about 1/8 inch thick, so it bakes up nice and flaky. Don’t worry if it shrinks a little; it’s all part of the fun!
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
Now, let’s whip up that creamy filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. You want it to be spreadable but still thick enough to hold its shape in the pastry. If you have lumps, just keep mixing until it’s velvety!
Assembling the Danish
Time to assemble! Cut the rolled pastry into squares—about 4×4 inches works well. Place each square on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square. Then, gently fold the corners over the filling, pinching them together to secure it. Don’t stress if they don’t look perfect; those rustic edges add charm!
Baking the Danish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and brush the tops of the pastries with your egg yolk and milk mixture for that gorgeous golden finish. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen is filled with that irresistible aroma. Let them cool slightly before serving, and get ready for a breakfast treat that will make your mornings feel special!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these easy breakfast cheese danishes! Each delightful danish is estimated to have about 250 calories, which makes it a nice treat to start your day. You’ll get around 15g of fat, with 7g being saturated fat. In terms of protein, you can expect about 4g, and the carbs come in at around 25g. Remember, these values are just estimates, so feel free to enjoy them as part of a balanced breakfast!
Tips for Success with Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
To make sure your easy breakfast cheese danish turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to work with it; this helps it puff up beautifully in the oven. Also, don’t overfill your pastries—just a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture is enough to let them rise without spilling over. If you want that extra shine on top, make sure to brush on the egg yolk mixture evenly. Lastly, keep an eye on them while they bake; every oven is different, and you want them just golden, not too brown. Happy baking!
Variations on Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
If you want to get a little creative with your easy breakfast cheese danish, there are so many fun variations you can try! For a fruity twist, add some fresh berries or sliced peaches right on top of the cream cheese filling before you fold the pastry. You could also mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a dollop of fruit preserves or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for an extra layer of deliciousness. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix!
Serving Suggestions
These easy breakfast cheese danishes are perfect on their own, but pairing them with a few delightful accompaniments can elevate your breakfast experience! I love serving mine with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice. You could also add a side of fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or blueberries, to bring a burst of color and flavor to your plate. Trust me, it’s a breakfast combo that feels like a little slice of heaven!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your easy breakfast cheese danishes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers beyond that, it’s best to pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will bring back that lovely flaky texture and warm the creamy filling. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make pastries a bit soggy. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ about Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Got questions about making these delicious easy breakfast cheese danishes? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! If cream cheese isn’t your favorite, mascarpone or ricotta can work beautifully too. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit.
What if my puff pastry is too sticky? If you find it sticking to your surface, sprinkle a little more flour while rolling it out. This keeps everything moving smoothly!
Can I freeze these danishes? Yes, you can! Just freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when they’re done? They’re ready when they’re puffed up and golden brown. The delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen will be a sure sign too!
For more delicious recipes, check out this breakfast category or learn about the nutritional benefits of cream cheese.
Print
Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish for Joyful Mornings
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy breakfast cheese danish is a quick and delicious pastry filled with cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into squares and place on a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling.
- Brush the tops with the egg yolk mixed with milk.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
- Feel free to add fruit toppings if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy breakfast cheese danish