Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze

Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze: A Sweet and Decadent Pastry Perfect for Holidays and Special Occasions

Cream cheese danishes are a classic pastry that have been enjoyed for generations. These flaky and buttery treats are filled with creamy and tangy cream cheese filling, making them the perfect snack or dessert. But why settle for a basic cream cheese danish when you can elevate it with sugared cranberries and a buttery glaze? This version of the classic pastry is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any day that deserves a little extra sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for sugaring the cranberries
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 12×12 inch square. Cut the pastry into 9 equal squares and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each square of puff pastry. Fold the corners of the puff pastry up to the center, slightly overlapping, to form a pinwheel shape.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
6. While the danishes are baking, make the sugared cranberries. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of water. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Add the cranberries and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cranberries have plumped and are coated in the sugar syrup. Set aside to cool.
7. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and heavy cream together. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
8. Once the danishes are out of the oven, brush with the butter glaze and top with the sugared cranberries. Serve warm.

Flavor Profile:

This updated version of the classic cream cheese danish is a sweet and decadent treat that’s sure to impress. The flaky and buttery puff pastry provides a perfect contrast to the creamy and tangy cream cheese filling. The sugared cranberries add a pop of sweetness and a festive touch, while the butter glaze provides a rich and indulgent finish. This pastry is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any day that deserves a little extra sweetness.

If you’re looking for a sweet and indulgent pastry that’s perfect for special occasions or holidays, look no further than this cream cheese danish with sugared cranberries and butter glaze. With its flaky puff pastry, creamy cream cheese filling, and sweet sugared cranberries and butter glaze, this pastry is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So why settle for a basic cream cheese danish when you can enjoy this elevated and delicious version?