Copycat Starbucks Cheese Danish

Ingredients

• 1 sheet Puff Pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar (for the cheese filling)
• 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract (high quality extract recommended)
• 1 Egg (beaten with a splash of water for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp Coarse Sugar (such as turbinado or sparkling sugar for topping)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. 2

   In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain.

3. 3

   Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to lightly even it out, then cut the sheet into 8 equal rectangles.

4. 4

   Place the pastry rectangles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least an inch of space between them.

5. 5

   Using a sharp paring knife, lightly score a border about 1/2 inch from the edge of each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through the dough.

6. 6

   Use a fork to prick the center area (inside the scored border) several times. This prevents the center from rising too high, creating a well for the cheese.

7. 7

   Spoon approximately 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry, spreading it evenly within the scored border.

8. 8

   Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg wash using a pastry brush.

9. 9

   Generously sprinkle the coarse sugar over the egg-washed borders to ensure a sweet, crunchy crust.

10. 10

    Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry edges are puffed and a deep golden brown.

11. 11

    Remove from the oven and let the danishes cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. The cheese filling will be very soft when hot but will set as it cools.

Notes

For the best results, ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature to avoid a lumpy filling. If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the cheese mixture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore the pastry's crispness.

Nutrition per serving

• Starbucks Copycat
• Cheese Danish
• Breakfast
• Pastry
• Easy Baking
• Dessert
• Vegetarian