Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze

If there’s ever a pastry that makes you feel like you’re living your best cozy bakery life without ever leaving your kitchen, this is it. These Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze are as dreamy as they sound—flaky, buttery layers filled with a creamy, slightly tangy filling, topped with festive sugared cranberries that literally sparkle. And that vanilla butter glaze? It’s the final swoon-worthy touch that makes each bite feel extra special.

Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch, a weekend treat, or a surprise breakfast in bed (you overachiever, you), this recipe is a showstopper—but secretly super easy. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love.

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze

Here’s why these beauties are the kind of treat you’ll want to make on repeat:

Bakery-Worthy at Home: These look (and taste!) like something you picked up from a fancy café, but they come together with just a handful of ingredients.

Festive & Elegant: The sugared cranberries add sparkle and a burst of tartness that’s perfect for the holidays or any special morning.

Creamy, Flaky, Sweet: It’s that irresistible trifecta—crispy pastry, rich cream cheese, and sweet glaze with a pop of citrusy cranberry.

Surprisingly Easy: With store-bought puff pastry and a few simple tricks, these are way easier to make than they look.

Perfect for Brunch or Dessert: Serve them warm with coffee, or plate them up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert.

Ingredients in Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze

Here’s what makes these danishes extra special:

Puff Pastry

Store-bought puff pastry is the ultimate shortcut to flaky, golden layers. Let it thaw before using for easy handling.

Cream Cheese

Softened cream cheese forms the rich, tangy filling that pairs beautifully with the tart berries and sweet glaze.

Sugar

Used in the filling, for coating the cranberries, and to lightly sweeten everything up.

Vanilla Extract

Adds warmth and depth to both the filling and the glaze.

Egg Yolk

For enriching the cream cheese mixture and helping the danishes bake up with that gorgeous golden sheen.

Fresh Cranberries

Tart and vibrant—they pop with color and flavor, especially once rolled in sugar.

Water or Simple Syrup

Used to coat the cranberries before sugaring them, giving them that magical frosted finish.

Butter

Melted and mixed with vanilla for a rich, drizzly glaze.

Powdered Sugar

For making that silky-sweet vanilla butter glaze.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make magic happen in your kitchen:

Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Cranberries

Lightly coat the cranberries in water or simple syrup, then roll them in sugar. Let them dry on a wire rack while you prep everything else—they’ll look like little edible jewels.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture will be the center of your danishes.

Step 3: Cut and Shape the Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares or rectangles. Lightly score a border around each one to help the edges puff up while the centers stay flat for the filling.

Step 4: Fill and Assemble

Spoon a dollop of cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square. Don’t overfill—you want just enough to create a creamy bite without overflowing.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake the danishes in a preheated oven until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the filling is just set. Your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 6: Make the Vanilla Butter Glaze

While the danishes bake, whisk together melted butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and pourable.

Step 7: Glaze and Top

Once the danishes have cooled slightly, drizzle with the vanilla butter glaze and top with sugared cranberries. Serve warm or at room temp for maximum joy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: Approx. 300–350 (depending on size and glaze)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze

These danishes are a total show-off—in the best way. Here’s how to serve them like a pro:

Warm with Coffee or Tea: Perfect for slow weekend mornings or as a cozy afternoon treat.

Holiday Brunch Table: Pair them with fresh fruit, eggs, and maybe even a mimosa or two.

Dessert with Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or a dusting of cinnamon for a sweet finale.

Mini Versions: Make smaller danishes for a dessert platter or buffet-style brunch spread.

Gift-Worthy: Wrap a few in a pastry box or tin with a ribbon—they make the cutest edible gift!

Additional Tips

Don’t Skip the Scoring: Scoring the border helps the edges rise and crisp beautifully while keeping the filling in place.

Make Ahead: The sugared cranberries can be made a day in advance, and the cream cheese filling holds up well too.

Customize It: Add a touch of orange zest to the filling or glaze for a citrusy twist.

Keep Pastry Cold: Work quickly with puff pastry—it puffs better when it’s cold going into the oven.

Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to bring back the crispiness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A1: Yes, but fresh cranberries work best for sugaring. If using frozen, let them thaw and pat dry before coating in sugar.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate the unbaked danishes, then bake fresh the next morning. Or bake and reheat before serving.

Q3: How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?
A3: Scoring the pastry and avoiding overfilling helps. You can also brush the base lightly with egg wash to create a barrier.

Q4: Can I freeze these danishes?
A4: Yes! Freeze after baking and cooling. Reheat in the oven until warm and crispy.

Q5: What if I don’t have puff pastry?
A5: Crescent dough or biscuit dough can work as a substitute, though the texture will be different.

Q6: Can I use flavored cream cheese?
A6: Sure! A berry-flavored cream cheese would pair nicely, just adjust the sugar if it’s already sweetened.

Q7: Can I add fruit inside the filling?
A7: Yes—try a few fresh or dried cranberries, or even orange or raspberry preserves swirled into the cream cheese.

Q8: Can I use another glaze?
A8: Definitely! Lemon glaze or almond icing would be lovely alternatives.

Q9: What’s the best way to keep sugared cranberries from getting sticky?
A9: Let them dry completely after sugaring—don’t skip this step! Store uncovered until ready to use.

Q10: Can I use goat cheese instead of cream cheese?
A10: You can! It’ll give the danish a tangier flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.

Conclusion

These Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze are your new go-to for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or whenever you need a little pastry magic in your life. They’re easy to make, totally stunning, and bursting with rich, tangy, sweet flavor in every bite. So go ahead—grab your coffee, pull up a cozy chair, and treat yourself. You’ve earned it.

Print