Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes: Easy Recipe for Delicious Treats

Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are a delightful treat that never fails to impress. As I take a bite of these flaky pastries, I am transported to a quaint bakery in Europe, where the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air. The history of danishes dates back to the 19th century, originating from Denmark, and they have since become a beloved pastry around the world. What I love most about Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes is their perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors, combined with a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth. Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly convenient to make, making them a favorite for brunch gatherings or a sweet afternoon snack. Join me as we explore this delightful recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

First things first, let’s whip up that delicious cream cheese filling that will be the star of our mini danishes. It’s super easy and only takes a few minutes!

1. In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
2. Add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese. This will sweeten the filling perfectly.
3. Pour in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely flavor that complements the cream cheese.
4. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be well combined with no lumps.

Preparing the Puff Pastry

Now that our filling is ready, let’s move on to the puff pastry. This is what gives our danishes that flaky, buttery texture that we all love!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that our danishes bake up nice and golden.
2. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. You should have two sheets in the package.
3. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out each sheet to smooth it out and make it a bit larger. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Cut each sheet into squares. I usually go for 3×3 inch squares, but you can adjust the size based on how big you want your danishes to be. You should get about 9 squares from each sheet.

Assembling the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Now comes the fun part—assembling our danishes! This is where you can get creative.

1. Take each puff pastry square and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each square.
2. Using a spoon, add about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as we don’t want it spilling out while baking.
3. Next, add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese filling. I usually go for about 1 tablespoon, but you can adjust based on your preference.
4. Now, let’s create a little border! Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, pinching them together to create a little pocket. This will help keep the filling inside while baking.
5. Once all the squares are assembled, brush the tops with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color when they bake.

Baking the Danishes

It’s almost time to enjoy these delicious mini cherry cheese danishes! Let’s get them in the oven.

1. Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary.
3. Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
4. If you’d like, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.

Serving Suggestions

These mini cherry cheese danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet treat during the day. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Pair them with fresh fruit for a delightful contrast.
• Drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered

Conclusion:

In summary, these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful treat that combines the rich creaminess of cheese with the sweet, tart flavor of cherries. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack throughout the day. The flaky pastry paired with the luscious filling creates a heavenly bite that is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these danishes with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning experience. You can also experiment with variations by swapping out the cherry filling for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of seasonal fruits to suit your taste. Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing on top can elevate their presentation and flavor even further. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes in your own kitchen. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creations. Let’s spread the love for these delightful danishes together! Happy baking!

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