Name: Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp lemon juice or zest (optional); 1 egg (for egg wash); 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional); 1 tbsp milk (for glaze, optional)

Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is a flaky, creamy, and sweet pastry that feels like it came from a bakery—but takes just minutes to prepare at home. With golden layers of puff pastry and a tangy-sweet cream cheese filling, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly elegant this danish is. It uses store-bought puff pastry, so there’s no need for complicated dough-making. The filling is rich and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness, and it pairs beautifully with fruit or jam if I want to add a twist. It’s quick, impressive, and always a hit with family or guests.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry sheets, thawed
Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Lemon juice or zest (optional, for brightness)
Egg (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar and milk (for optional glaze)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, I beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
I unfold the puff pastry and cut it into rectangles or squares, depending on the style I want.
I place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each piece and lightly fold or shape the pastry around the filling.
I brush the edges with beaten egg for a golden finish, then bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Once cooled slightly, I drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze if I want an extra sweet touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 to 8 danishes and takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 15–20 minutes of baking.

Variations

I often top the filling with a spoonful of jam—raspberry, apricot, or blueberry work beautifully. For a fruit-filled version, I add fresh berries or thin apple slices on top of the cream cheese. To make it a little more decadent, I mix in a bit of sour cream or add cinnamon to the glaze.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh the crispiness. They can also be microwaved for 10–15 seconds, but the texture is best from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare and shape them the night before, refrigerate them, and bake them fresh in the morning.

Do I have to use puff pastry?

Puff pastry gives the classic flaky texture, but crescent roll dough works as a shortcut for a softer version.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, I freeze them after baking and cooling. I reheat them in the oven until warm and crisp again.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

I make sure not to overfill, and I press the pastry edges lightly around the filling to hold it in place.

What other flavorings can I add?

I sometimes add almond extract, a hint of nutmeg, or orange zest to the filling for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish is one of my go-to recipes when I want something sweet, simple, and impressive. It’s creamy, flaky, and totally irresistible—perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or anytime I want to treat myself to a pastry that feels homemade and special without all the work.