There’s something truly magical about a quick breakfast that sets the tone for the day. I can’t tell you how many mornings I’ve rushed around, only to find solace in the warm embrace of an easy breakfast cheese danish. These delightful pastries remind me of lazy Sunday mornings, when I’d savor each flaky bite while sipping on my coffee. They’re like a little hug for your stomach! Plus, they’re super simple to whip up, making them perfect for those busy weekdays when you need something special without the fuss. Trust me, once you sink your teeth into that creamy filling and light glaze, you’ll understand why these danishes have a special place in my heart. So let’s dive into making your mornings a bit sweeter!
Ingredients List
- 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk
- Powdered sugar for glaze
- 2 tbsp milk for glaze
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your pastries bake evenly and get that gorgeous golden brown color we all love. So, while you’re prepping, let that oven do its thing!
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Next up, grab your puff pastry sheets and roll them out on a lightly floured surface. You want to give them a nice, smooth surface to work with. Once they’re rolled out, cut each sheet into squares—about 4 inches by 4 inches works perfectly. Don’t stress about making them identical; a little rustic charm is always welcome in the kitchen!
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Now, let’s whip up that creamy filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. I like to use a hand mixer for this part, but a good old whisk works too—just make sure it’s nice and smooth. You’re looking for that sweet, creamy goodness to fill those pastries!
Assemble the Pastries
Here comes the fun part! Take a spoonful of your luscious cream cheese mixture and place it right in the center of each pastry square. Then, fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a little triangle. Pinch the edges together to seal them up tight. Trust me, the more secure you make them, the better they’ll hold that delicious filling!
Apply the Egg Wash
To give those pastries a beautiful, shiny finish, it’s time for the egg wash. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the tablespoon of milk until it’s nicely mixed. Use a brush to gently coat the tops of your pastries with this egg mixture. This step not only adds color but also helps them get that lovely golden crust!
Bake the Pastries
Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen during this time? Absolutely heavenly! Keep an eye on them, as every oven is a little different. You want them to look perfectly puffed and golden.
Add the Glaze
Once your pastries are out of the oven and cooled slightly, it’s time to add that sweet glaze. In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar and the two tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the top of each pastry for that final touch of sweetness. Wow, just look at them now!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings!
- Flaky puff pastry that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Rich cream cheese filling that’s creamy and slightly sweet.
- Customizable—add fruit preserves or nuts for extra flavor!
- Perfectly paired with your morning coffee or tea.
- Impressive enough to serve at brunch gatherings.
- Delicious warm out of the oven, or even at room temperature.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored easily for a quick snack.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips to make sure your easy breakfast cheese danish turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Use a sharp knife: When cutting the puff pastry, a sharp knife makes all the difference. It gives you clean edges and helps the pastries rise beautifully in the oven. Dull knives can squish the dough, and nobody wants that!
- Chill your pastry: If your puff pastry feels a bit warm and soft while you’re working with it, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes. This helps it maintain its structure and makes it easier to handle.
- Get creative with fillings: While the cream cheese filling is delicious on its own, don’t hesitate to add some fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest. It’s a great way to personalize these danishes!
- Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking your pastries at the 15-minute mark. You want them golden brown and puffed up—yum!
- Let them cool slightly: After baking, let the danishes cool for a few minutes before glazing. This way, the glaze won’t melt right off, and you’ll have that beautiful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your easy breakfast cheese danish is a breeze! If you have any leftovers (which is honestly a rare occurrence in my kitchen!), simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, making them an ideal snack or breakfast option throughout the week.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend popping them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to get that flaky texture back. Just a quick 5-7 minutes should do the trick! You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overheat them, as they can get a bit soggy. A quick blast of 15-20 seconds should be just enough to warm them up without losing that delightful crispiness. Enjoy your danishes warm and fresh, just like they were right out of the oven!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each easy breakfast cheese danish. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this will give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 4g
These danishes are a delightful treat that can fit into a balanced breakfast! Enjoy them in moderation, and don’t forget to pair them with some fresh fruit or a protein for a more wholesome meal. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought cream cheese?
Absolutely! Store-bought cream cheese works perfectly for this easy breakfast cheese danish. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
No worries! You can use crescent roll dough as a substitute. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still give you that delicious pastry vibe!
Can I freeze these danishes?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked danishes! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—no thawing needed! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How can I make these danishes dairy-free?
You can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese spread. Just make sure it’s a type that can be whipped and spread easily!
What are some good toppings for these danishes?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You could drizzle them with chocolate, sprinkle some nuts on top, or even add fresh fruit before glazing. Get creative and make them your own!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Keep an eye out for that lovely golden brown color. They should look puffed and crispy. If you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow—this is a great sign they’re ready!
easy breakfast cheese danish: 7 Steps to Morning Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy breakfast cheese danish is a delicious pastry filled with cream cheese and topped with a light glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk
- Powdered sugar for glaze
- 2 tbsp milk for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out puff pastry sheets on a floured surface.
- Cut each sheet into squares.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk.
- Place a spoonful of the mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle.
- Beat the egg with milk to create an egg wash.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze and drizzle over the pastries.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry for clean edges.
- Feel free to add fruit preserves for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: easy breakfast cheese danish
