Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes: A Perfect Blend of Elegance and Comfort

These delectable Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes transform simple ingredients into bakery-quality treats that rival any professional patisserie. The combination of tender puff pastry, rich cream cheese filling, and vibrant cherry topping creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes, while the miniature size makes them ideal for entertaining or individual indulgence. These Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are designed to impress while remaining wonderfully accessible to home bakers seeking to create something truly special.

Storage Options

Store Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To refresh refrigerated pastries, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Frozen danishes should be thawed at room temperature for 30 minutes before reheating.

Summary

Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are elegant, bite-sized pastries featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy cheese and topped with sweet cherry preserves. This recipe yields 12 individual danishes that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or special occasions. The combination of store-bought puff pastry and homemade cream cheese filling creates bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife
• Baking sheets (2 large)
• Parchment paper
• Small spoon or piping bag
• Pastry brush
• Wire cooling racks
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Danishes:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves or jam
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons pearl sugar or coarse sugar (optional)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix until well combined and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out thawed puff pastry to approximately 12×9 inches. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into 12 equal rectangles (3×4 grid).
4. Shape the Danishes: Transfer pastry rectangles to prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts from each corner toward the center, leaving about 1 inch uncut in the middle to create flaps.
5. Add Fillings: Place 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry rectangle. Top with 1 teaspoon of cherry preserves.
6. Fold and Seal: Fold alternating corner flaps over the filling to create a pinwheel or envelope shape, pressing gently to seal.
7. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the exposed pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with pearl sugar if using.
8. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until pastries are golden brown and puffed. Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
9. Cool and Glaze: Transfer to wire racks to cool for 10 minutes. If using glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled danishes.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth mixing and to prevent lumps in the filling
• Don’t overfill the pastries, as the filling may leak during baking
• Puff pastry works best when kept cold until baking, so work quickly
• Cherry preserves can be substituted with other fruit jams like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry
• For best results, use high-quality puff pastry from the freezer section

Tips for Success

Temperature Control: Keep puff pastry cold while working to maintain its flaky texture. If the pastry becomes too warm, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before continuing.

Even Baking: Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking time to ensure uniform golden browning on all Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes.

Filling Consistency: The cream cheese filling should be smooth and spreadable. If too thick, add a tablespoon of milk; if too thin, add a bit more flour.

Sealing Technique: Press the pastry flaps gently but firmly to prevent them from unfolding during baking while maintaining the pastry’s delicate structure.

Quality Ingredients: Use high-fat content cream cheese and pure vanilla extract for the richest flavor in your Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes.

Additional Tips and Variations

Fruit Variations: Experiment with different preserves such as raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry to create variety in your Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes. Fresh fruit can also be used, but drain excess moisture first.

Cream Cheese Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute half the cream cheese with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt, adjusting sugar as needed for taste.

Make-Ahead Option: Assemble Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Seasonal Adaptations: During holidays, add festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling, or use seasonal preserves for themed variations.

Presentation Ideas: Dust finished Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes with powdered sugar, add fresh fruit garnishes, or serve alongside coffee or tea for an elegant presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves? A: Yes, but cook fresh cherries with sugar until jammy to remove excess moisture. Fresh fruit can make the pastry soggy if used raw.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out? A: Don’t overfill the pastries and ensure the pastry flaps are properly sealed. Leave adequate border space around the filling.

Q: Can I make Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes ahead of time? A: You can assemble them the night before and bake fresh in the morning. Fully baked danishes are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture.

Q: What if my puff pastry tears while shaping? A: Gently press tears together or patch with small pieces of pastry. The egg wash will help seal minor imperfections.

Q: Can I freeze unbaked Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes? A: Yes, freeze assembled unbaked danishes on baking sheets, then transfer to bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time.

Conclusion

These Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes represent the perfect marriage of convenience and sophistication, delivering bakery-quality results from your home kitchen. The recipe’s straightforward approach makes it accessible to bakers of all experience levels while producing pastries that look and taste professionally made. Each Mini Cherry Cheese Danish offers a delightful combination of buttery, flaky pastry and creamy, tangy filling crowned with sweet cherry goodness. Whether you’re treating yourself to a special breakfast or impressing guests at your next gathering, these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless creative variations, ensuring you’ll never tire of these delectable treats.