Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries

These Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese and Cherries are a simple yet satisfying treat that brings a touch of Scandinavian charm to your table. Made with store-bought puff pastry sheets, this recipe is an easy way to create impressive pastries without the hassle of making dough from scratch. The combination of creamy cheese filling and sweet cherry filling makes for a balanced and flavorful bite, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

As part of the rich tradition of Danish food, these pastries are both approachable and versatile. Whether you’re new to puff pastry recipes or a seasoned baker, this Danish pastries recipe is straightforward and adaptable. The flaky layers of puff pastry, paired with the tangy cream cheese and fruity cherry filling, create a comforting treat that’s sure to please. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy, homemade experience.

Reasons why you’ll love this recipe♡

• Effortless Elegance: This recipe uses store-bought puff pastry sheets, making it incredibly easy to create beautiful, flaky pastries that look like they came from a bakery. 
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese filling pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tart cherry filling. 
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served as a breakfast treat, a brunch centerpiece, or a dessert, these Danish pastries are versatile and sure to impress. They’re also easy to customize; swap the cherries for other fruits or add a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness.

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

Step by Step Guide

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

3. Roll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, trimming the edges. Slice it into 8 equal squares. You can also set aside the leftover pastry to make decorative leaves if desired.

4. Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square.

5. Add a few cherries on top of each one.

6. Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, overlapping slightly to form a pinwheel or diamond shape. Press gently to seal. If preferred, shape the remaining pastry into leaves and place them on top for decoration.

7. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.

8. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Recipe FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just pit and chop them before adding them to the pastries.

Q: Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the pastries up to the baking step, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh the next day for the best texture.

Q: Can I use a different fruit filling?
A: Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even apple compote would work well as alternatives to cherry filling.

Q: Do I need to thaw the puff pastry before using it?
A: Yes, thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions until it’s pliable but still cold.

Q: Can I freeze unbaked pastries?
A: Yes, assemble the pastries, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: How do I prevent the pastries from getting soggy?
A: Make sure to drain the cherries well and avoid overfilling the pastries to keep the puff pastry crisp.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, but full-fat cream cheese will give you a richer and creamier texture.

Q: Can I skip the egg wash?
A: The egg wash helps achieve a golden, shiny finish, but you can skip it if needed. The pastries will still taste great.

Q: How do I store leftover pastries?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q: Can I add a glaze to the pastries?
A: Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze (made with powdered sugar and milk) drizzled over the cooled pastries adds extra sweetness.

Q: Can I make these pastries vegan?
A: Use vegan puff pastry, dairy-free cream cheese, and a plant-based egg wash (like almond milk or aquafaba) to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Q: What’s the best way to shape the pastries?
A: Folding the corners into a pinwheel or diamond shape is classic, but you can also fold them into rectangles or triangles for variety.

Q: Can I use homemade puff pastry?
A: Yes, homemade puff pastry works well if you have the time and skill, but store-bought is a convenient and reliable option.