Description
These Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze are a showstopping treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. Buttery puff pastry is filled with sweet, tangy cream cheese, topped with jewel-like sugared cranberries, and drizzled with a rich vanilla butter glaze. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or anytime you want to wow your guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Heat 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in cranberries. Let sit for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. After slightly drying (about 30 minutes), roll in remaining sugar until coated. Let dry completely.
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry and cut into 6 rectangles. Score a smaller rectangle inside each one (about 1/2 inch from the edge), being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling inside the scored area of each puff pastry rectangle. Brush edges with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water).
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled Danishes.
- Top each Danish with a few sugared cranberries and serve.
Notes
- Make the sugared cranberries a day ahead to save time.
- You can also top with orange zest, rosemary sprigs, or even pomegranate seeds for a more festive look.
- For a shortcut, use store-bought cranberry sauce swirled into the cream cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg