Homemade Breakfast Danish Pastries Recipe
This Homemade Breakfast Danish Pastries recipe brings together flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese mixture and your choice of fruity jam. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, these pastries are perfect for a delightful morning treat or brunch centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 8 pastries
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or blueberry)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
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 bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and creamy, ensuring even flavor and texture.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut them into evenly sized squares. Lightly score a border around each square to create a raised edge once baked. Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square, then add a tablespoon of your chosen fruit jam on top. Brush the edges with beaten egg wash and, if desired, sprinkle coarse sugar on the edges for added crunch and sparkle.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and puffed.
- Make Glaze: While the pastries are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed for consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze Pastries: Once the pastries are baked and cooled slightly, drizzle the vanilla glaze over them for a sweet finishing touch. Allow to set briefly before serving.
Notes
- You can use any flavor of fruit jam or preserves that you prefer or have on hand.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smooth filling.
- For a crispier edge, do not skip the step of scoring the pastry borders and brushing with egg wash.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
- Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
