Indulge in the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese filling paired with a flaky, buttery crust in this delightful Cheese Danish.

Scale

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add 1/4 cup of cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares, approximately 4×4 inches.
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Place a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners towards the center to create a pocket and pinch to seal.
In a small bowl, whisk the beaten egg and milk together. Brush the egg wash over each Danish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serve warm and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week if refrigerated.

Keywords: Cheese Danish, pastry, brunch, baking, desserts