If you’re looking to wow your friends or simply treat yourself to a delightful bakery-style breakfast at home, this Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These flaky, buttery puff pastries filled with luscious cream cheese, topped with tart yet sugary cranberries, and drizzled with a dreamy vanilla butter glaze will have everyone asking for seconds. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors, combined with the gorgeous presentation, makes these Danishes perfect for cozy mornings or elegant brunch gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the flaky puff pastry to the tangy cranberries and creamy cheese filling, you’ll find all the staples needed to create bakery-worthy Danishes right in your kitchen.
- Puff pastry sheet: This provides the flaky, buttery base that is essential for any Danish.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds richness and a smooth, tangy filling for the pastries.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cream cheese filling and the sugared cranberries.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to both cream cheese and glaze.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds a subtle brightness that perfectly complements the cream cheese.
- Egg (for egg wash): Ensures a beautiful golden brown finish on the pastry edges.
- Fresh cranberries: Provide tartness; they shine when transformed into sugared toppings.
- Water: Used to dissolve sugar for making the sugared cranberries.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Vital for the luscious vanilla butter glaze.
- Powdered sugar: Creates the sweet glaze that ties the whole Danish together.
- Milk: Adjusts the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Sugaring the Cranberries
Begin by heating half of the sugar with water in a small saucepan until the sugar fully dissolves. Once removed from heat, stir in the fresh cranberries and let them soak for about five minutes. This bath softens the berries and sweetens them just enough while preserving their natural tartness. After soaking, place the cranberries on a wire rack to dry slightly, then roll them in the remaining sugar for that beautiful crystalized sparkle. Let them dry completely; these sparkling berries will be the star garnish.
Step 2: Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until the mixture is silky smooth. This filling is the creamy heart of your Danishes, perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy flavors.
Step 3: Preparing Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet and cut it into six equal rectangles. To help the filling stay contained, score a smaller rectangle inside each piece by lightly cutting around 1/2 inch from the edges, but be careful not to cut all the way through—a delicate touch creates a snug border for your filling.
Step 4: Filling and Egg Wash
Spoon about one tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the smaller rectangle on each pastry. Then, combine the egg with a bit of water and brush this egg wash along the outer edges of the pastry rectangles. This step ensures those edges get that delicious golden-brown, glossy finish everyone loves.
Step 5: Baking
Bake the Danishes for 15 to 18 minutes or until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden color. The smell at this point is irresistible! Allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack to prevent sogginess on the bottom and to make them easier to handle for glazing and topping.
Step 6: Vanilla Butter Glaze
For the final sweet touch, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you get a smooth, drizzle-ready glaze. The glaze adds a silky sweetness and a hint of vanilla that ties all the flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Assembly and Serving
Drizzle the vanilla butter glaze generously over each slightly cooled Danish. Finally, top with a few of your sugared cranberries to add color, texture, and a pop of tartness. These Danishes look as beautiful as they taste — a true feast for both the eyes and the palate!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond sugared cranberries, consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate presentation. A small brush of apricot jam before glazing can add a glossy finish. These simple touches transform your Danishes from delicious treats into delightful showpieces.
Side Dishes
Pair these Danishes with a cup of rich coffee or a fragrant herbal tea to balance their sweetness. Fresh fruit like sliced oranges or pomegranate seeds provide a refreshing contrast. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or smoked salmon to create a varied and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Danishes on a rustic wooden board or a decorative cake stand for a charming display. For a festive touch, you can serve them alongside small bowls of extra sugared cranberries and glaze for guests to add as they please. Wrapping individual Danishes in pretty parchment paper with twine makes for lovely gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To avoid sogginess, place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will stay tasty for a short while.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked Danishes by assembling them up to the baking step, then freezing on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For baked Danishes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat Danishes gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 8 minutes, just enough to warm through and re-crisp the pastry without melting the glaze excessively. Avoid microwaving as it can make the puff pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries are preferable for this recipe due to their firmness, which helps them keep their shape during sugaring. However, if frozen cranberries are your only option, thaw and drain them well before sugaring, though results may vary slightly.
Is there a substitute for puff pastry?
Puff pastry is crucial for that flaky, layered texture, but in a pinch, you might try crescent roll dough. Keep in mind, the texture will be less flaky and more bread-like.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, look for dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes. Use a flax egg or aquafaba for the egg wash. Puff pastry brands vary, so check the label for vegan-friendly options.
How long do the sugared cranberries keep?
Sugared cranberries can last a few days at room temperature once fully dried, but for best freshness, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use them within a week.
Can I prepare the cream cheese filling in advance?
Absolutely! The cream cheese mixture can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before assembling the Danishes for easier spreading.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe is truly a delightful way to elevate any breakfast or brunch occasion. The combination of flaky pastry, creamy filling, bright cranberries, and luscious glaze is pure magic that’s surprisingly simple to make. I encourage you to give these Danishes a try—you’ll be rewarded with smiles, compliments, and a happy heart. Happy baking!
Print
Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 35-38 minutes
- Yield: 6 Danishes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze are flaky, buttery pastries filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture, topped with sweet and tangy sugared cranberries, and drizzled with a luscious vanilla butter glaze. Perfect for a festive breakfast or elegant brunch treat.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Sugared Cranberries
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup water
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 Sugared Cranberries: Heat 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh cranberries. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soak. Transfer cranberries to a wire rack to dry slightly for about 30 minutes, then roll them in the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar to coat. Allow to dry completely before using.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and optional lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 6 equal rectangles. Score a smaller rectangle inside each piece about 1/2 inch from the edges, being careful not to cut all the way through the pastry.
- Assemble Danishes: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the scored area of each puff pastry rectangle. Beat one egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash, and brush the edges of each pastry with this mixture to help them brown evenly during baking.
- Bake Pastries: Place the prepared pastries on the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the danishes are golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Prepare 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 quantity to reach desired consistency for drizzling.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the vanilla butter glaze over the slightly cooled danishes. Top each danish with a few of the sugared cranberries for a decorative and flavorful finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Let the sugared cranberries dry completely for best texture and sparkle.
- Use cold puff pastry but allow it to thaw enough for easy handling and cutting.
- You can substitute frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable, but fresh gives the best texture.
- The lemon zest in the filling is optional but adds a nice brightness to the cream cheese.
- Adjust the milk in the glaze to make it thicker or thinner depending on your preference for drizzling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispiness.
