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Flaky Cheese Danish

Irresistibly Flaky Cheese Danish for Perfect Weekend Mornings

This flaky cheese danish recipe boasts buttery layers and a creamy filling, making it a must-try for breakfast lovers.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8 danishes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Danish
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour No substitutions recommended.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Can use granulated or brown sugar.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Sea salt can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Instant yeast can also be used.
  • 1/2 cup Warm Milk Ensure it's warm, not hot.
  • 1 large Egg For vegan, substitute with flaxseed egg.
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Use melted for the dough.
For the Filling
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Mascarpone can be used for richer filling.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Cornstarch-based sugar substitute works.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Milk Adjust for desired thickness.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice or Vanilla Extract Optional but recommended.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and let sit until foamy. Add yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes until smooth, then chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare a butter block by placing cold butter between parchment paper and rolling it into an 8-inch square. Refrigerate until firm.
  3. Roll the dough into a 16-inch square, place the butter block in the center, fold the dough to enclose it, and roll into a long rectangle. Fold into thirds, chill for 30 minutes, and repeat twice.
  4. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick, cut into 4-inch squares, place cream cheese filling in the center, fold corners towards the center and pinch to seal.
  5. Place shaped danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let proof for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) during the last 15 minutes. Brush with egg wash.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly. Mix powdered sugar with milk and lemon juice/vanilla for glaze and drizzle over warm danishes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1danishCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Keep ingredients cold for best flakiness. Don't skip kneading or chilling steps. Layer toppings as desired.

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