If you are a fan of pastries that combine a tender, flaky texture with luxuriously creamy filling and a burst of festive flavor, you are absolutely going to adore this Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe. It’s the kind of treat that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home, with a crisp puff pastry base, smooth cream cheese sweetness, and tart cranberries coated in sparkling sugar. Topped off with a luscious vanilla butter glaze, these Danishes are perfect for special mornings, holiday brunches, or whenever you want to impress without stress. Get ready for your kitchen to smell incredible and your guests to ask for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color to create that perfect Danish experience. From buttery puff pastry for flakiness to fresh cranberries that add a bright pop, every component is important.
- Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, golden foundation that puffs beautifully in the oven.
- Cream cheese: Adds smooth richness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Used both in the filling and for coating cranberries, contributing sweetness and sparkle.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into both filling and glaze.
- Lemon zest (optional): Offers a subtle citrus brightness to brighten the cream cheese layer.
- Egg (for egg wash): Creates a shiny golden crust when baked.
- Fresh cranberries: Provide tartness and festive color, especially when coated in sugar.
- Water: Used to cook cranberries in sugar syrup, plumping them slightly.
- Unsalted butter: Melted into the vanilla glaze for a silky finish.
- Powdered sugar: The base of the smooth vanilla butter glaze.
- Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency to just the right drizzling texture.
How to Make Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Cranberries
Start by gently heating half of the granulated sugar with water until dissolved, creating a simple syrup. Add fresh cranberries and let them soak for five minutes to soften and absorb sweetness. Once drained, transfer the berries to a wire rack and let them dry slightly for about 30 minutes before rolling them in the remaining sugar. This extra step gives the cranberries an irresistible frosted appearance and delightful crunch, prepping them for the perfect topping.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. The lemon zest is optional but adds a lovely zing that brightens the filling, balancing the richness. This luscious mixture will complement the tart cranberries beautifully, enhancing every bite.
Step 3: Prepare Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into six rectangles. Score a smaller rectangle inside each piece about half an inch from the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through. This scoring will help create a raised border, allowing the cream cheese filling to stay perfectly contained.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Spread about one tablespoon of your cream cheese filling inside the scored areas of each pastry rectangle. Next, brush the edges with an egg wash made from one beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water. This shiny coating will bake into a gorgeously golden crust that’s so inviting to see and taste.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake the assembled Danishes for 15 to 18 minutes or until they’re beautifully puffed and golden brown. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack to set the filling and crisp edges without losing their puff. This part of the process is pure magic – watching the puff pastry rise and fill with creamy deliciousness!
Step 6: Whisk Up the Vanilla Butter Glaze
Combine melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl, adjusting the milk quantity to achieve a smooth, drizzle-worthy glaze. The glaze adds a sweet, buttery finish dotted with mellow vanilla notes, perfectly complementing the richness and tartness of the danishes.
Step 7: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the vanilla butter glaze generously over the cooled Danishes then crown each one with several sugared cranberries. The combination of textures and flavors from the flaky pastry, creamy filling, sweet glaze, and tart crystallized cranberries is truly irresistible.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
While the sugared cranberries serve as both topping and garnish, you can elevate presentation by sprinkling a few fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These touches add a pop of color and a fresh aroma, making each Danish look like a little edible masterpiece.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a creamy latte or a robust cup of black coffee, balancing the sweet tartness on your palate. If serving for brunch, consider alongside scrambled eggs or a mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette to create a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch at gatherings, arrange your Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe on a beautiful tiered tray or rustic wooden board. Surround with seasonal fruit or fresh flowers for a stunning centerpiece. Individual serving plates with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra glaze personalize the experience, making guests feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the pastry tender and filling fresh. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the puff pastry to lose some of its crispness. If you want to refresh the texture, a quick warm-up in the oven will bring them back to life.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled Danishes on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. Bake from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This trick is a lifesaver if you want fresh Danishes ready without morning prep!
Reheating
Reheat Danishes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving, which makes pastries soggy. Reheating this way also helps the glaze soften slightly and the filling stay creamy, bringing your Danishes back to fresh-out-of-the-oven perfection.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries but be sure to thaw and drain them well before making the sugared cranberry topping to avoid excess moisture that can affect the sugar coating and texture.
What kind of cream cheese works best?
Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest filling. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it mixes smoothly without lumps.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
With a few substitutions like dairy-free cream cheese, a plant-based puff pastry, and using a flax egg instead of a regular egg wash, you could adapt this recipe to be vegan-friendly. The vanilla butter glaze can be made with vegan butter as well.
How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking?
Scoring the pastry carefully without cutting all the way through creates a border that holds the filling nicely in place while baking. Also, don’t overfill each Danish; one tablespoon is just right.
Is there a way to make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Absolutely! Add more powdered sugar to thicken the glaze, or a splash more milk to thin it out until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. A thicker glaze holds shape better while a thinner glaze spreads more evenly.
Final Thoughts
There really is something magical about homemade pastries that combine ease with elegance like this Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of bakery magic into your kitchen and delight the people you share it with. Don’t hesitate to make these Danishes your own little celebration any day of the week—you deserve a delicious treat that feels special, and this recipe has got you covered.
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Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze are a delightful breakfast or dessert treat featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth, sweet cream cheese mixture. Topped with crunchy sugared cranberries and drizzled with a rich vanilla butter glaze, these Danishes combine tart and sweet flavors with tender textures for an irresistible pastry experience.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Sugared Cranberries
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup water
Vanilla Butter Glaze
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare Sugared Cranberries: Heat 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water together in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh cranberries. Let the cranberries sit in the syrup for 5 minutes to absorb sweetness, then transfer them to a wire rack to drain and dry slightly for about 30 minutes. Once partially dried, roll the cranberries in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar to coat evenly and let them dry completely for a crunchy sugared finish.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into six equal rectangles. Carefully score a smaller rectangle inside each large rectangle about 1/2 inch from the edges without cutting all the way through to create a border for the filling.
- Assemble Danishes: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each scored rectangle. Then, prepare an egg wash by beating one egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush this egg wash around the edges of each puff pastry square to give the borders a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the prepared Danishes on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Make Vanilla Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. Adjust milk quantity as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla butter glaze generously over the cooled Danishes. Top each Danish with several sugared cranberries for an added burst of tartness and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is thawed but still cold for easier handling and better puff.
- Do not cut through the outer edges of the puff pastry when scoring to allow the edges to puff up during baking.
- Adjust the milk in the glaze slowly to get a drizzle consistency that isn’t too thick or runny.
- Sugared cranberries can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for a day or two for convenience.
- For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg for egg wash.
