Ingredients
For the Danish Dough
* 3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
* 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
* ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
* 1 tsp salt
* ¾ cup (180 ml) cold whole milk
* 1 large egg
* 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup (225 g) cold unsalted butter, for laminating
For the Cream Cheese Filling
* 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
* ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fruit Topping
* Strawberry slices
* Blueberries
* Kiwi slices
* Raspberry or strawberry jam
For the Egg Wash
* 1 large egg
* 1 tbsp milk
For the Glaze
* 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
* 2–3 tbsp milk
* ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Danish Dough
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold milk, egg, and softened butter.
3. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth.
5. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Laminate the Dough
1. Roll the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper into a flat rectangle.
2. Roll the chilled dough into a larger rectangle.
3. Place the butter in the center of the dough.
4. Fold the dough over the butter and seal the edges.
5. Roll into a long rectangle and fold into thirds.
6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. Repeat the rolling, folding, and chilling process 2 more times.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
1. Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until creamy.
Shape the Pastries
1. Roll the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
2. Cut into squares.
3. Fold or shape the edges to create individual Danish pastries.
4. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
5. Spoon cream cheese filling or jam into the center.
6. Add strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi if desired.
Proof & Bake
1. Cover loosely and let the pastries rest for 30–45 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Whisk the egg and milk together.
4. Brush the pastry edges with the egg wash.
5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until puffed and deeply golden.
Make the Glaze
1. Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Let the baked pastries cool for 10–15 minutes.
3. Drizzle the glaze over the pastries.
Serve
* Serve fresh with tea or coffee.
* Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.