Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a dreamy delight with this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these flaky pastries will make you swoon with chocolatey goodness and creamy richness.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–4 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 4 pastries
Directions
1. Preheat that oven to a toasty 400°F. Unroll puff pastry on a floured surface and slice into four even squares. Let’s build those layers!
2. In a mixing bowl, whip up the luscious cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and inviting. Spread this creamy cloud in the center of each pastry square.
3. Sprinkle a generous handful of chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a chocolate surprise?
4. Fold your pastry squares in half, sealing the edges with the help of a fork to keep all that goodness inside.
5. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for that perfect golden glow. Pop them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them bake for 15-18 minutes or until they’re puffed and golden.
6. While they bake, mix up the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over those warm pastries once they’re cool enough to handle.
7. Enjoy each bite of your homemade Danish with a satisfying mix of flaky layers and rich, sweet fillings. They’re best served warm for that maximum melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Nutritional Information
Each Danish serves up approximately:
Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Sugar: 18g
Let the pastry party begin!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface. Slice the pastry into four even squares.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until it is smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Pastry
Spread the cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry square. Sprinkle a generous amount of chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer.
Step 5: Fold and Seal the Pastry
Fold each pastry square in half, sealing the edges by pressing down with a fork to ensure the filling stays inside.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the tops of the folded pastries with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
Step 7: Bake the Pastries
Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
While the pastries bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 9: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the pastries are cool enough to handle, drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish while they are warm for the best experience.
Notes
Note 1
The pastries are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Note 2
Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add nuts for added texture.
Note 3
For a richer glaze, adjust the milk quantity to reach your desired consistency.
Cook techniques
Thawing Puff Pastry
Make sure to thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it. This helps to maintain its flaky texture.
Mixing Cream Cheese Filling
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Whip it with sugar and vanilla until smooth to create a creamy filling without lumps.
Assembling the Danish
When placing the cream cheese and chocolate fillings, leave a small border around the edges of the pastry squares to prevent spilling when you fold and seal them.
Sealing the Pastry
Use a fork to press down along the edges after folding the pastry squares. This technique creates a seal that helps keep the filling from leaking out during baking.
Brushing with Egg Wash
Beating the egg before brushing gives the pastry a shiny and golden finish. Apply it evenly over the surface for the best color.
Baking to Perfection
Keep an eye on the Danish while they bake. Look for a puffed, golden color, which usually takes about 15-18 minutes depending on your oven.
Making the Glaze
Vary the amount of milk in your glaze depending on your desired consistency. Start with 2 teaspoons and add more if you prefer a thinner glaze.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead of making my own filling?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought cream cheese frosting for the homemade filling, but adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly.
What if I can’t find puff pastry?
You can use pre-made croissant dough or buy Danish pastry dough, which may yield a similar flaky texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastries ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake them straight from the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the oven for about 5 minutes for the best taste.
Can I freeze the unbaked pastries?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pastries on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Enjoy crafting these delicious Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes! Each step creates layers of flavor and texture that are sure to impress during any mealtime or occasion. Happy baking!
