Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

Imagine starting your morning with a warm, golden, flaky pastry that’s filled with a creamy, sweet cheese filling. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, I’ve got just the thing for you: Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish. It’s the perfect balance of rich, buttery layers and tangy-sweet cream cheese that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a cozy bakery—but with zero fuss. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to morning treat!

Why You’ll Love Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

Quick and Simple

No need for fancy dough or complicated steps—this recipe uses store-bought puff pastry, which means you get a flaky, buttery Danish without any of the hassle. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you still want something indulgent.

Light and Flaky

Puff pastry does its magic here, giving you that satisfying crispiness on the outside, while the cheese filling remains perfectly smooth and creamy. Every bite is a little bite of heaven!

Sweet, Creamy, and Tangy

The cream cheese filling is perfectly sweetened with a hint of vanilla and a squeeze of lemon juice for just the right amount of tang. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible.

Versatile

Feel free to get creative! Add fruit on top—fresh berries, sliced peaches, or even a little fruit jam to take your cheese Danish to the next level. The options are endless.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making a special breakfast, serving brunch, or craving a sweet afternoon snack, these Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish will fit right in. They’re also great for holiday mornings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible cheese Danishes:

Puff Pastry

This is the magic ingredient that makes these so quick and easy. Puff pastry gives the Danishes their signature flaky texture. If you don’t have puff pastry, you can also use crescent roll dough, but puff pastry will give you that perfect bakery-quality flakiness.

Cream Cheese

The cream cheese filling is what makes this Danish so deliciously rich and creamy. It’s the heart of the recipe!

Sugar

A little sugar sweetens up the cream cheese mixture without making it too sugary. You want just enough sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla brings a warm, aromatic sweetness to the filling. It complements the cream cheese and makes everything taste that much better.

Lemon Juice

A splash of fresh lemon juice adds a little tang and brightness to the filling, cutting through the richness and making the flavor pop.

Egg

An egg wash on the puff pastry gives the Danishes a beautiful golden finish. It’s that perfect touch that takes them from good to absolutely gorgeous.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get to baking! Here’s how to make these irresistible cheese Danishes:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your puff pastry bakes up golden and crisp.

Prepare the Puff Pastry

Unroll the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut them into squares or rectangles (about 3×3 inches each). You can also cut them into triangles if you prefer that shape. The beauty of puff pastry is that you can make it your own!

Make the Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. If you want an extra layer of flavor, feel free to add a teaspoon of almond extract or a little bit of cinnamon!

Fill the Pastry

Place a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square or rectangle. Don’t overfill—just enough to cover the center.

Fold the Pastry

Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the cream cheese filling to create a little pocket or fold the edges inward to form a rectangle. Don’t worry about perfection—it’s the rustic look that makes these Danishes so charming.

Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the edges of the puff pastry. This will give your Danishes that golden, glossy finish as they bake.

Bake

Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!

Optional: Add a Sweet Glaze

Once they’ve cooled slightly, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of milk over the Danishes for a sweet finishing touch.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve these warm and fresh from the oven. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, a treat for a gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these Easy Breakfast Cheese Danishes are sure to impress!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8-10 pastries
Calories per serving: 200-250 (depending on size)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish

As a Breakfast Treat

Pair one (or two!) of these Danishes with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of fresh juice for a cozy, satisfying breakfast. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a sweet note!

For Brunch

If you’re hosting a brunch, these Danishes are a must-have. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or bacon for a spread that’s sure to please your guests.

As a Dessert

Serve these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple but elegant dessert. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!

With a Drizzle of Glaze

To take them over the top, drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk over the top of your Danishes. It’s the perfect touch to make them even sweeter!

Additional Tips

Make Them Mini!

Want to serve these as bite-sized treats? Simply cut the puff pastry into smaller squares or rectangles before filling and folding. They’ll bake up just as delicious, but in cute little portions!

Add Fruit

Top your cream cheese filling with fresh fruit, like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries, before folding the dough. This will add a burst of flavor and make your Danishes even more delicious.

Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They’re best eaten fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their flaky goodness.

Make Ahead

You can prep these Danishes the night before! Assemble the puff pastry and cream cheese filling, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, just pop them in the oven for a quick breakfast.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

A1: Yes, you can! If you want to go the homemade route, just make sure the dough is chilled before working with it. Store-bought puff pastry is simply quicker and easier.

Q2: Can I freeze these Cheese Danishes?

A2: Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Assemble the Danishes, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them from frozen at 375°F for 20-25 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q3: Can I add jam to the filling?

A3: Yes! Add a spoonful of your favorite fruit jam on top of the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist. Raspberry or apricot jam would be delicious!

Q4: Can I use something other than cream cheese?

A4: If you prefer, you can use ricotta cheese or mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor. Both are rich and creamy, just like cream cheese!

Q5: How do I store leftover Cheese Danishes?

A5: Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them warm again, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Q6: Can I add nuts to the filling?

A6: Definitely! Feel free to add a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the cream cheese mixture for a delightful crunch.

Q7: Can I make these without eggs?

A7: Yes, you can skip the egg wash if you prefer. The Danishes will still bake up beautifully, though they won’t have the same golden finish.

Q8: Can I make these ahead of time?

A8: Yes, you can prep them the night before and bake them in the morning. Just cover the assembled pastries with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Q9: How can I make these dairy-free?

A9: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, like coconut cream cheese, and a dairy-free puff pastry. You can also skip the egg wash and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze.

Q10: Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?

A10: Yes, crescent roll dough will work in a pinch! You’ll get a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious.

Conclusion

These Easy Breakfast Cheese Danishes are a game-changer when it comes to quick, delicious pastries. Whether you’re treating yourself or serving guests, they’re bound to impress. So grab that puff pastry and cream cheese, and let’s get baking—because there’s no better way to start the day than with a warm, cheesy, flaky Danish in hand!

Print