Description
A delightful berry Danish that is crisp on the outside and bursting with sweet fruit flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp (10g) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warm
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp (250g) cold unsalted butter, for laminating
- 7 oz (200g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Fruit preserves, fresh berries, or sliced almonds for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, combine warm milk and yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add the egg and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix and knead until the dough is smooth, about 6–8 minutes. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
- Place the cold butter between sheets of parchment paper. Pound it out gently with a rolling pin until it forms an 8-inch square. Chill until firm yet pliable.
- Roll the chilled dough into a 16-inch square. Position the butter in the center like a diamond, and fold the corners over to seal it in. Roll the dough into a long rectangle (8×24 inches) and fold it into thirds like a letter. Chill for 30 minutes. Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling in between each.
- Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut it into 4-inch squares. Place about a tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners over or shape them as desired. Add fresh berries or your favorite jam at this stage, if using.
- Arrange the shaped pastries on parchment-lined baking sheets. Let them rise at room temperature for 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Brush the tops with an egg wash or milk. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Allow the pastries to cool completely on a wire rack. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or lemon juice, and vanilla for your glaze. Drizzle over the top and enjoy!
Notes
For a flakier pastry, ensure the butter is cold when laminating the dough. Don’t rush the chilling times, they help with the layering. You can let the Danish cool before adding the glaze for a neater presentation.
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg