Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze

There’s a certain magic that comes with the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Homemade pastries, with their flaky layers and rich fillings, have an irresistible allure that store-bought versions simply cannot replicate. Among these delightful treats, Cream Cheese Danishes stand out as a perfect amalgamation of buttery dough and luscious filling. This recipe elevates the classic Danish with a unique twist—adding sugared cranberries and a sweet butter glaze that will make your taste buds dance.

Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze

Indulge in the delightful experience of baking Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and a luscious Butter Glaze. This easy-to-follow recipe combines flaky, buttery dough with rich cream cheese filling, tart cranberries, and a sweet glaze, creating a perfect treat for brunch or special occasions. Impress your family and friends with these homemade pastries that are sure to elevate any gathering. #Baking #Pastries #DanishRecipe #HomemadeTreats #CranberryDelight #BrunchIdeas

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1/2 cup milk, warmed

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon

For the Sugared Cranberries:

1 cup fresh cranberries

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

Additional granulated sugar for coating

For the Butter Glaze:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast, allowing it to proof for about 5 minutes until frothy.

- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt.

- Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture, then pour this into the flour mixture.

- Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes or until smooth.

- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Prepare the Sugared Cranberries:

- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then add the cranberries. Simmer for about 10 minutes until cranberries are tender but not bursting.

- Remove the cranberries and let them drain for a few minutes. Roll them in granulated sugar and allow to dry on a wire rack.

Assemble the Danishes:

- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares (about 4 inches each).

- Cut a smaller square (about 2 inches) in the center of each larger square, creating a frame. Make sure not to cut all the way through—just enough to create a border.

- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center and top with a few sugared cranberries.

- Fold the corners of the larger squares over the filling to create a danish shape, pinching to hold.

Bake the Danishes:

- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack.

Prepare the Butter Glaze:

- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

- Drizzle the glaze over the warm danishes.

Serve:

- Enjoy these delectable cream cheese danishes warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional sugared cranberries if desired!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12