Save to Pinterest This Danish features light, flaky puff pastry wrapped around a smooth cream cheese filling and topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce. The pastry is brushed with egg wash for a golden finish and drizzled with a simple sugar glaze, optionally brightened with orange zest. Bake until puffed and golden, then enjoy warm for a delightful breakfast or special occasion treat packed with balanced textures and flavors.
I still remember the first time I made these cranberry cream cheese danishes; the house filled with the sweet aroma of baking pastry and tart cranberries, making it impossible to wait until they cooled.
One snowy afternoon, unexpected guests arrived just as I pulled these from the oven, and their smiles made me realize baking isn't just cooking; it's sharing joy.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheet: I always reach for frozen puff pastry because it saves so much time and creates that perfect flaky texture every time
- Cream cheese: Using softened cream cheese makes it easier to blend smoothly with sugar and vanilla for that creamy filling
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: Fresh are ideal, but frozen work great and give that sweet-tart cranberry flavor
- Sugar: Both granulated and powdered sugar have roles here to balance sweetness in filling and glaze
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture
- Milk: Just enough to thin the glaze for drizzling
- Egg: Optional egg wash for a golden shine that looks so professional
- Orange zest: Adds a fresh twist in the garnish that brightens this dessert
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and ready a baking sheet lined with parchment; anticipation builds as the oven heats up.
- Make the Cranberry Sauce:
- Cook cranberries with sugar and water until they burst, filling your kitchen with a bright, fresh berry scent while thickening into a jewel-like sauce.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Beat softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy, promising a luscious bite.
- Cut the Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into eight rectangles; the dough should feel cool and tender under your fingers.
- Score the Borders:
- Draw a border around each rectangle without cutting through, creating that classic danish look that puffs unpredictably and beautifully.
- Optional Egg Wash:
- Brush the borders with beaten egg to get a golden glossy finish that says "fresh from the bakery".
- Add Fillings:
- Spoon cream cheese filling in the centers, spreading it gently but fully within the borders, then top with cranberry sauce for that perfect contrast.
- Bake:
- Place in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and puffed, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.
- Glaze and Garnish:
- While cooling, combine powdered sugar and milk to a drizzle-able glaze and add orange zest if you like to finish these beauties with a little sparkle.
Save to Pinterest This recipe went beyond a simple breakfast; it became the centerpiece of celebrations where laughter and warmth mixed with sweet & tart bites inspired by Scandinavian traditions.
Keeping It Fresh
Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy the danishes within two days for the best flaky texture and fresh taste.
When You're Missing Something
If cranberries aren't available, raspberry or blueberry preserves are fantastic alternatives that keep the sweet-tart balance intact.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
Pair these danishes with a hot cup of coffee or cinnamon spiced tea for a comforting morning treat that feels like a warm hug.
- Brush off any sugar lumps from the glaze so every drizzle is silky smooth
- Warm danishes briefly before serving to bring out flavors
- Don't forget to share the leftovers, if there are any!
Save to Pinterest Thanks for baking along; I hope this recipe brightens your mornings as much as it did mine.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
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Score a border around the pastry to create a raised edge that holds fillings without soaking the base and avoid overfilling to maintain crispness.
- → Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?
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Yes, prepare the cranberry sauce in advance and let it cool completely before assembling to avoid soggy pastry.
- → What is the best way to soften cream cheese for filling?
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Leave cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave briefly in short intervals, ensuring it stays smooth and spreadable.
- → How long should I bake the Danish pastries?
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Bake for 18–20 minutes at 200°C (400°F) until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- → Can I substitute other fruit preserves for the cranberry sauce?
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Yes, raspberry or blueberry preserves can be used to create a different but equally delicious flavor combination.
