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–+ servings
Heavenly Cheese Danish

Irresistible Heavenly Cheese Danish for Perfect Brunch Treat

This Heavenly Cheese Danish recipe combines buttery pastry with creamy filling, perfect for brunch.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8 danishes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure it's active by checking for foam when mixed with warm water
  • 1 cup Warm Water Temperature should be between 110° to 115°F
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour No substitution recommended
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar For sweetness and browning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Balances flavors
  • 1/2 cup Cold Butter Cubed, keep cold for flakiness
  • 1/2 cup 2% Milk Adds moisture
  • 3 large Egg Yolks Room temperature for easier mixing
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adjust to taste
For the Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Softened
  • 1/4 cup Extra Sugar For sweetness
  • 1 large Whole Egg Separated for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon Water For egg wash
For the Maple Glaze
  • 1/4 cup Maple Syrup For glazing after baking

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Pastry Cutter
  • Whisk
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Activate Yeast: Combine the active dry yeast and warm water in a small bowl, let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Prepare Dough: Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt, cut in butter until crumbs form. Add milk, egg yolks, and yeast mixture, stir until sticky.
  3. Chill Dough: Cover dough and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.
  4. Shape Dough: Roll chilled dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon.
  5. Twist and Coil: Cut into strips, twist and wrap into coils, place on greased baking sheet.
  6. Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and egg yolk until smooth, spoon filling onto pastries.
  7. Rise: Cover pastries, let rise for about 45 minutes.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F.
  9. Egg Wash: Whisk together egg white and water, brush over pastries.
  10. Bake: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Glaze: Brush with maple syrup immediately after baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1danishCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Check yeast activity before starting. Cold butter is essential for flakiness. Chilling the dough enhances flavor.

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