When sweet, creamy, and tangy come together in a beautiful pastry, you know you’re in for something special. Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze are the ultimate treat for breakfast or dessert, boasting pillowy puff pastry, luscious cream cheese filling, bursts of tart cranberry, and a dreamy vanilla butter glaze. With their festive look and irresistible flavor, these danishes are just the thing for lazy weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time you want to make an ordinary day feel celebratory.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze works together to create layers of taste and color you won’t soon forget. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen, but each plays a unique role in building this gorgeous, bakery-worthy pastry.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The secret to a flaky, buttery base without laboring over homemade dough.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): This becomes the rich, tangy center that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons + ¼ cup + ¼ cup): Adds sweetness to both the creamy filling and the sparkling cranberry coating.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon for filling + ½ teaspoon for glaze): Infuses both filling and glaze with a warm, aromatic sweetness.
- Lemon zest (½ teaspoon): A tiny amount brings brightness and just a hint of citrus freshness.
- Egg (1, beaten): The egg wash gives each danish a shiny, golden finish.
- Fresh cranberries (½ cup): Their lively tartness beautifully balances the richness of the cheese and sweetness of the glaze.
- Water (¼ cup, for cranberries): Helps soften cranberries before sugaring for that perfect chewy bite.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup, for glaze): Ensures the glaze is smooth and glossy—your final touch!
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Blends with the glaze to add richness and help it set up beautifully.
- Milk (1 tablespoon, for glaze): Thins the glaze just the right amount for a drizzly finish.
How to Make Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze
Step 1: Prepare Sugared Cranberries
Start by making the standout topping! In a small saucepan, simmer fresh cranberries with water and sugar for just a few minutes until they soften but don’t burst. Drain well, then toss them in more granulated sugar while still sticky for that frosted, jewel-like effect. Let them dry so they’ll be ready to crown your pastries later.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a little lemon zest. Mix until everything is silky smooth and perfectly sweetened. This velvety filling adds richness and the subtle tang that sets these danishes apart.
Step 3: Shape the Puff Pastry
Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry and cut it into six equal squares. To get those lovely raised edges, lightly score a smaller square about half an inch from the edges of each piece; don’t cut all the way through. This encourages the pastry to puff up gorgeously around the filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Place a generous tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Gently spread it just in the center, then nestle three to four sugared cranberries on top. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg for that irresistible golden shine in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the prepared pastries onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until puffed and deep golden in color. The aroma is a promise of just how delicious your Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze are about to be!
Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Vanilla Butter Glaze
While the danishes cool just slightly, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a thick, pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm danishes, letting it cascade over edges and cranberries for a picture-perfect finish.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze
Garnishes
For a truly irresistible look, dust your danishes with a little extra powdered sugar, nestle a mint sprig beside the cranberries, or even sprinkle a bit of lemon zest over the glaze. These small details take Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze from impressive to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Pair these beauties with fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, or soft scrambled eggs for a complete brunch spread. They also shine alongside a cup of strong coffee, spiced chai, or even a sparkling mimosa if you’re celebrating.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the danishes on a tiered cake stand with snowy cranberries scattered around, or line them up on a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe. For gifting, nestle each in a cupcake liner and package in a pretty bakery box—Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze make a stunning homemade present!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Though these are at their best fresh from the oven, you can store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The pastry might soften slightly, but the flavors remain delightful.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the danishes to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month—just hold off on glazing until after reheating for best results.
Reheating
To brighten a day with a quick treat, reheat refrigerated or thawed danishes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp. Drizzle with fresh glaze after reheating for that bakery-fresh feel.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! You don’t need to thaw them, just add them straight to the saucepan but keep a close eye so they don’t burst. Frozen cranberries work just as beautifully for the sugared topping.
Is it possible to make these danishes in advance?
The sugared cranberries can be prepared a day ahead, and you can assemble the danishes a few hours before baking—just pop them in the fridge on the baking sheet until you’re ready to bake and glaze.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
While puff pastry gives that signature bakery texture, crescent roll dough or even homemade yeasted dough can be a fun alternative if you’re in the mood to experiment.
Can I use other fruits instead of cranberries?
Feel free to swap the cranberries for blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries, but keep in mind each fruit will change the flavor profile slightly. The sugared cranberry is what really makes these Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze pop, though!
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Keeping the cream cheese filling contained to the center and not overfilling helps, and baking until deeply golden and well-puffed ensures the pastry stays delightfully flaky even under that luscious glaze.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate a cozy morning or a festive gathering than by sharing Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze. These golden pastries offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that are sure to impress and bring big smiles to everyone who tries them. Give them a spot in your recipe rotation and enjoy the magic!
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Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and a luscious Vanilla Butter Glaze. These flaky pastries are perfect for breakfast or dessert, combining sweet cream cheese, tart cranberries, and a decadent glaze.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Sugared Cranberries:
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar (for cranberries)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating cranberries)
Vanilla Butter Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberries: Simmer cranberries, water, and sugar until softened, then coat in sugar.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Assemble the Danishes: Cut puff pastry, fill with cream cheese mixture, top with cranberries, and bake.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: Whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle warm danishes with glaze before serving.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use store-bought cranberry sauce instead of sugared cranberries.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
