There is something utterly magical about starting the day with a warm, flaky pastry that melts in your mouth while delivering a luscious burst of tangy cream cheese and the vibrant sparkle of sugared cranberries. The Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe is just that perfect combination. It brings together the crisp, golden puff pastry with a rich, velvety cream cheese filling, topped off with beautifully shimmering cranberry jewels and a sweet vanilla glaze that ties everything together in a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion treat, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in crafting these elegant danishes. From the buttery crispness of puff pastry to the tart sweetness of fresh cranberries and the irresistible creaminess of the filling, every element is thoughtfully chosen to bring depth and balance to the dish.
- Puff pastry sheet: Provides the flaky, golden base that puffs beautifully in the oven.
- Cream cheese: Adds a rich, smooth tang that contrasts perfectly with the fruit.
- Granulated sugar: Used both in the filling and to sweeten the cranberries for moderate sweetness and sparkle.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese filling and butter glaze with warm, aromatic notes.
- Lemon zest (optional): Introduces a hint of citrus brightness that lifts the cream cheese flavor.
- Egg (for egg wash): Helps create that glossy, golden finish on the pastry edges.
- Fresh cranberries: Bring tartness and vibrant color, especially when turned into sugared jewels.
- Water: Used to make the simple syrup that softens and sweetens the cranberries.
- Unsalted butter: Incorporated into the glaze for richness and silkiness.
- Powdered sugar: The smooth base for the vanilla butter glaze’s sweetness.
- Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for the perfect drizzle.
How to Make Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Cranberries
Begin by creating a simple syrup using half of the granulated sugar and water on gentle heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Stir in fresh cranberries and let them soak for 5 minutes to absorb that sweetness and soften just enough. After draining, place them on a wire rack to dry briefly, then toss in the remaining sugar to coat. This step transforms sharp-tart berries into shimmering gems that will crown your danishes with a perfect crunch and sweet twinkle.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the cranberries are doing their thing, whip together the softened cream cheese, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until silky smooth. This mixture is the heart of your danish, providing that luscious, slightly tangy creaminess that balances the pastry and fruit brilliantly.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to a warm 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully unfold the puff pastry and slice it into six equal rectangles. Each rectangle gets a gentle score inside the edges to create a raised border without cutting through — this clever trick keeps the filling contained while letting the edges puff up gorgeously.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Spread about a tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the scored center of each pastry rectangle. Then, brush the edges with the egg wash — a simple mix of beaten egg and water — which will encourage that beautiful golden shine and crispiness during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the assembled pastries into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they puff up luxuriously and turn the perfect shade of golden brown. Once out of the oven, transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool slightly — you want them warm but not hot when it’s time for glazing.
Step 6: Whisk the Vanilla Butter Glaze
While your danishes cool down, combine melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk to get a pourable but thick glaze. This glaze will add silkiness and extra decadence, turning these danishes from delightful to downright irresistible.
Step 7: The Final Touches
Drizzle your vanilla butter glaze generously over each danish’s cream cheese center. Then nestle a few sparkling sugared cranberries on top to finish things with that festive pop of color and flavor. Now, your Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe is ready to wow anyone lucky enough to take the first bite.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
While sugared cranberries are the star garnish here, feel free to sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar or add delicate edible flowers for a whimsical touch. A sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary can also add an herbal hint that pairs beautifully with the vanilla glaze and tart cranberries.
Side Dishes
Serve these danishes alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich hot chocolate for a cozy, indulgent experience. For brunch, consider fresh fruit salad or lightly dressed greens to balance the richness of the pastry and cream cheese filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your danishes on a beautiful wooden board or tiered cake stand for an inviting display. Wrap each danish in parchment paper tied with a colorful ribbon for gifting or a festive brunch table. You can even drizzle some extra glaze in a playful pattern directly on the serving plate for a restaurant-quality presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the pastry crisp and the filling fresh, though it’s best enjoyed the day of baking for peak texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain flakiness.
Reheating
Warm your danishes gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes to revive that crisp pastry texture and melt the glaze slightly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the puff pastry soggy and the cream cheese filling grainy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them before soaking in the sugar syrup. They may release more moisture, so pat them dry gently before rolling in sugar for best results.
Is it possible to make these danishes dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based butter for the glaze. Puff pastry varieties that are vegan-friendly are also widely available.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, a laminated croissant dough or even sturdy crescent roll dough can work in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different. Puff pastry is preferred for that signature flaky rise.
Can I prepare the cream cheese filling in advance?
Yes, the cream cheese filling can be mixed up to a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge and bring it back to room temperature before assembling the danishes for easier spreading.
How do I get the edges to puff up nicely?
Scoring a smaller rectangle inside each pastry piece helps create a raised border that puffs independently of the filling. Brushing the edges with egg wash also promotes a beautiful golden color and crisp finish.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to create these stunning, flavorful Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe, why not gather your ingredients and start baking? It’s a recipe that brings joy with every bite and looks so impressive you’ll feel like a pro baker. Perfectly flaky, sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious, these danishes are certain to brighten up any morning or gathering. Enjoy every moment of making and sharing them!
Print
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
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these elegant Cream Cheese Danishes topped with sugared cranberries and a smooth vanilla butter glaze. Featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture, this recipe combines tart sugared cranberries with a luscious vanilla glaze to create a perfect breakfast or dessert treat that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Ingredients
For the Sugared Cranberries
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest (optional)
For the Danishes
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
For the 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 the Sugared Cranberries: Heat 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh cranberries. Allow the cranberries to soak in the sugar syrup for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to drain and dry for about 30 minutes. Once slightly dried, roll the cranberries in the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar until well coated. Let them dry completely for best texture.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the 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 6 equal rectangles. On each rectangle, gently score a smaller rectangle inside the edges, about 1/2 inch from the border, being careful not to cut all the way through; this will help the edges puff up distinctly during baking.
- Assemble the Danishes: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling inside the scored inner rectangles of each puff pastry piece. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry rectangle generously with the egg wash to ensure a golden finish.
- Bake the Danishes: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up beautifully. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Vanilla Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk amount to achieve your desired consistency.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the vanilla butter glaze generously over the slightly cooled Danishes. Top each one with a few of the sugared cranberries for a festive and flavorful finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Thaw the puff pastry properly in the refrigerator overnight for best puff and texture.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a lovely brightness to the cream cheese filling.
- If you prefer, substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones, just make sure to thaw and drain well.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- These Danishes are best enjoyed fresh the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
