Mini Cheese Danish

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Flaky, golden, and filled with a creamy sweet cheese center, Mini Cheese Danishes are a pastry lover’s dream. Whether you’re serving brunch for guests or treating yourself to a cozy morning bite, these delightful bites deliver bakery-style results with minimal effort. You can make them in under 30 minutes, and they’re just as delicious warm as they are at room temperature.

The lightly crisp puff pastry complements the creamy cheese filling, balanced with a hint of vanilla and citrus zest. What makes these especially irresistible is their versatility: enjoy them as-is, drizzle with icing, or top with fresh fruit. However you serve them, they always bring a touch of indulgence to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Mini Cheese Danish

Mini Cheese Danishes are the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. They start with store-bought puff pastry, which means no dough-making drama. The cheese filling is rich but not overly sweet, making these suitable for both breakfast and dessert. They’re great for holidays, baby showers, or any gathering where finger foods shine.

These pastries also freeze beautifully. Make a batch ahead of time and warm them up when you’re ready to impress guests or enjoy a sweet moment for yourself. With just a few ingredients, they feel like something special with every bite.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

Stick to all-butter puff pastry if possible. It has the best flavor and crisps up beautifully in the oven. Brands like Dufour are excellent, but any quality frozen puff pastry will do. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before working with it to avoid cracking or uneven rising.

Ingredients for the Mini Cheese Danish

To make these delightful mini pastries, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create a buttery, creamy treat. Each component brings its own magic to the finished product.

• Puff pastry: This forms the light and flaky shell that makes each bite so satisfying.
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature, it creates the rich and creamy base for the filling.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the cheese mixture without overpowering it.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
• Lemon zest: Offers a bright and subtle citrus note to balance the richness.
• Egg yolk: Helps bind the filling and add a luxurious texture.
• Egg wash: A whole egg whisked with a splash of water gives the pastries a golden, shiny finish.
• Powdered sugar and milk (optional): If you want to drizzle a quick glaze over the tops.

How To Make the Mini Cheese Danish

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Set aside while you prepare the pastry.

Step 2: Cut and Shape the Pastry

Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into even squares (about 3×3 inches). Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each square.

Step 3: Fold and Seal

Fold the corners toward the center over the filling, slightly overlapping them. Press gently to seal, or leave the edges open for a different look. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash

Whisk a whole egg with a teaspoon of water and lightly brush the tops and edges of each Danish. This helps them bake up beautifully golden.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes or until puffed and deeply golden brown. Let them cool slightly before adding an optional glaze.

Step 6: Add Optional Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk to create a simple glaze. Drizzle over cooled Danishes and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Mini Cheese Danish

These Mini Cheese Danishes are best served fresh and slightly warm. Their creamy center and crisp pastry make them ideal for breakfast platters, brunch spreads, or afternoon tea. Each batch makes about 9 to 12 pastries, depending on the size of your cuts, and easily feeds 4 to 6 people.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five. Reheat in a toaster oven or low oven to bring back the flakiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the pastry.

What to Serve With Mini Cheese Danish?

Fresh Berries

The natural sweetness and tartness of berries make a lovely contrast to the rich cheese filling.

Hot Coffee or Espresso

A strong cup of coffee or a foamy cappuccino makes each bite more indulgent.

Sparkling Water with Citrus

For a refreshing, non-sweet option, pair with lemon or orange-infused sparkling water.

Bacon or Breakfast Sausage

Serve a savory protein on the side for a balanced brunch plate.

Fruit Salad

A mix of seasonal fruit helps brighten the table and balance the richness of the pastry.

Yogurt Parfait

Layered with granola and fruit, it adds texture and a cool creamy note.

Scrambled Eggs

Soft, fluffy eggs round out a hearty breakfast offering.

Mimosas or Fresh Juice

If you’re hosting brunch, these drinks are always a hit alongside pastries.

Want More Breakfast Ideas with a Sweet Twist?

If these Mini Cheese Danishes made your morning, you might also love these recipes:

• Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies for a nutty, candy-inspired dessert.
• Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls for a fruity spin on a breakfast classic.
• Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies when you want rich, buttery flavor in cookie form.
• Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling to satisfy your fall cravings.
• White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles for a chilled and zesty treat.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest brunch board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you drizzle glaze or add fruit on top? Did you try different shapes or fillings?

I love hearing how others bring their twist to these pastries. Questions are always welcome, so we can help each other bake with more joy.

Explore beautifully curated breakfast and dessert ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to bite!

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