Cherry & Cheese Mini Danniches: A Refined, Friendly Brunch

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Certainly! Here’s a full, detailed recipe for a delightful and refined brunch treat:

🍒🧀 Cherry & Cheese Mini Danishes.

🍒🧀 

Cherry & Cheese Mini Danishes: A Refined, Friendly Brunch Recipe

Introduction:

Elegant, bite-sized, and bursting with flavor — these Cherry & Cheese Mini Danishes are a beautiful blend of sweet, tart cherries and rich, creamy cheese filling, nestled in flaky, buttery puff pastry. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a tea party, or simply want a charming morning pastry, these danishes are guaranteed to impress with their simplicity and sophistication.

Origin:

The Danish pastry, or “wienerbrød”, originated in Denmark but was heavily influenced by Austrian bakers. These pastries became popular in America with the addition of sweetened cream cheese fillings and fruit toppings, especially cherry — a nod to both European and American tastes. The mini version of these classics makes them more accessible and brunch-friendly, perfect for modern gatherings.

Ingredients (Makes 12 mini danishes):

🧁 For the Base:

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

🍒 For the Cherry Filling:

  • ¾ cup cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
  • OR 1 cup fresh/frozen cherries + 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp lemon juice (cooked down to thicken)

🧀 For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

🍬 Optional Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk or lemon juice
  • Dash of vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Zest of ½ lemon or orange in the cheese filling
  • Sprinkle of slivered almonds before baking
  • Dash of almond extract in the cherry filling
  • Dust of cinnamon over the top

Instructions:

Step 1 – Prep the Puff Pastry:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Roll out the puff pastry slightly and cut into 12 equal squares.
  4. Place squares on baking sheet and gently score a smaller square inside each, leaving a ¼-inch border.

Step 2 – Make the Fillings:

  1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  2. If using homemade cherry topping, cook cherries with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan until syrupy and thickened. Let cool.

Step 3 – Assemble the Danishes:

  1. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon cherry filling on top of the cheese.
  3. Brush exposed edges of pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 4 – Bake:

  1. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
  2. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 5 – Optional Glaze:

  1. Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla to form a glaze.
  2. Drizzle over cooled danishes for a finishing touch.

Tips for Success:

  • Keep puff pastry cold while working — chill assembled danishes briefly before baking if needed.
  • Don’t overfill to avoid spillover.
  • Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with a snipped corner for neat filling placement.
  • Bake until deep golden brown for the best flakiness and texture.

Serving Recommendations:

  • Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
  • Perfect alongside:
    • A mimosa or bellini
    • Fresh berries or citrus salad
    • A charcuterie-style brunch board
  • Great for Mother’s Day, bridal showers, holiday brunches, or office treats.

Nutrition (Per Mini Danish – Approximate):

  • Calories: 160
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 110mg

Note: Glaze or additional toppings may increase sugar and calorie count slightly.

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