Description

These Cream Cheese and Berry Danish Pastries are flaky, buttery, and filled with a rich cream cheese mixture topped with sweet berry preserves. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they are easy to prepare using puff pastry sheets and baked to golden perfection. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and optional fresh berries, these pastries combine creamy, tangy, and fruity flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry

1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed

Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk

Berry Topping

⅓ cup berry preserves (strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite)

Egg Wash

1 egg (for egg wash)

Garnish

Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Fresh berries (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Set this rich filling aside for assembly.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets evenly. Cut each sheet into 4 to 6 squares based on your preferred pastry size.
Assemble the Danish: Place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Spoon a teaspoon of berry preserves directly on top of the cream cheese filling. Gently fold the edges of the pastry slightly towards the center to form a border around the filling. Beat the remaining egg to make an egg wash and brush it over the edges of each pastry to ensure a beautiful golden color when baked.
Bake the Pastries: Transfer all assembled pastries to the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastries have puffed up and turned golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
Garnish and Serve: Lightly dust the cooled pastries with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Optionally, top each Danish with fresh berries to enhance flavor and presentation before serving.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother filling.
You can use any berry preserves you prefer such as raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry for varied flavors.
Chill puff pastry sheets just until thawed but still cold to prevent tearing while rolling.
Use fresh berries as garnish to complement the preserves and add a fresh burst of flavor.
These pastries are best enjoyed the same day for optimal texture and taste but can be reheated briefly before serving.