Name: Easy 30 Min Cream Cheese Danish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet Puff Pastry (thawed according to package directions); 8 ounces Cream Cheese (at room temperature for easy mixing); 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for a balanced sweetness); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla for best flavor); 1 large Egg (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon Water (to beat with the egg for the egg wash); to taste Powdered Sugar (optional for serving); to taste Milk (optional for serving, mix until pourable)

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Creamy, flaky, and utterly irresistible, this Easy 30 Min Cream Cheese Danish is the kind of pastry that brightens any morning or sweetens an afternoon coffee break. With a silky cream cheese filling nestled inside golden puff pastry, it feels gourmet while being shockingly simple to make. Fun fact: many classic Danish pastries actually trace their origins to bakers who borrowed techniques from Vienna — so you get a little European flair without the fuss. If you love fuss-free pastry projects, check out our full step-by-step guide on the blog for the same recipe in a different format: Easy 30 Min Cream Cheese Danish recipe.

This recipe stands out because it’s quick, approachable, and family-friendly. It’s perfect for busy mornings, casual brunches, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Read on and you’ll be excited to bake a batch.

What is Easy 30 Min Cream Cheese Danish?

What’s in a name? Easy 30 Min Cream Cheese Danish answers that question literally — easy to make, ready in about thirty minutes, and filled with classic cream cheese goodness. Why “Danish”? Because the puff pastry and sweet filling nod to the buttery, layered treats of Denmark. Who named it? Maybe a very efficient baker with a watch and a sweet tooth. After one bite, you’ll understand why people say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Want a lighter morning twist? Try this version that swaps toppings and shapes for a fresh take and extra convenience: Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish. Go ahead — give it a try and see who you win over first.

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll fall for this Danish instantly because of three simple reasons:

Decadent creaminess: The filling is smooth, slightly sweet, and luxuriously creamy, giving a rich contrast to the crisp pastry.
Homemade savings: Store-bought viennoiserie can be pricey. Making these at home uses affordable ingredients like cream cheese and puff pastry, delivering bakery-level flavor for a fraction of the cost.
Flavorful finishing touches: A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a light icing drizzle, or a handful of fresh berries turns these into a showstopper that’s both comforting and elegant.

Compared to other breakfast pastries, this Danish is a winner for how fast it comes together and how versatile the flavors are. Ready to bake? Let’s get started.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is designed for simplicity: minimal ingredients, easy assembly, and speedy baking. The contrast between the crisp, puffed pastry and the tangy-sweet cream cheese filling is the standout element. Prep time is about 10 minutes and bake time about 15–20 minutes, so you can have fresh Danishes in roughly 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry — thawed according to package directions
8 ounces cream cheese — at room temperature for easy mixing
1/4 cup sugar — granulated, for a balanced sweetness
1 teaspoon vanilla extract — pure vanilla for best flavor
1 egg — for egg wash (see preparation below)
1 tablespoon water — to beat with the egg for the egg wash
Optional for serving: powdered sugar and milk — for a simple icing drizzle (mix until pourable)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the Danishes don’t stick.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the 8 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Use a hand mixer or a fork to ensure there are no lumps.
Assemble the Danish: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to even it out. Cut the sheet into 4 equal squares (or smaller squares for more pastries). Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square, leaving a gap at the edges so the pastry can puff.
Fold or shape the pastry: You can fold the corners toward the center or create a border by pressing the edges with a fork to seal. The goal is to keep the filling centered while allowing the edges to puff and turn golden.
Apply the egg wash: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl and brush the mixture over the pastry edges. This creates a glossy, golden finish when baked.
Bake: Place the Danishes on the prepared baking sheet with space between each one. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden, puffed, and set.
Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally, whisk powdered sugar with a little milk until smooth and drizzle over each Danish. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Easy 30 Min Cream Cheese Danish

What to Serve With

Fresh fruit or a mixed berry salad for brightness and acidity
A dollop of lemon curd or fruit preserves for extra flavor contrast
Strong coffee, cappuccino, or a latte to balance the sweetness
A simple green salad if serving these as part of a larger brunch spread

Pairing ideas help create a balanced morning or midday menu that highlights the Danish without overpowering it.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use cold puff pastry until you’re ready to roll; if it gets too warm, it won’t puff properly. Chill if needed.
Room-temperature cream cheese mixes more smoothly — avoid cold lumps by letting it sit for 30 minutes at room temp.
Don’t overfill the centers. A generous spoonful is great, but too much filling can leak during baking.
For a crispier bottom, bake on a preheated baking stone or a heavier baking sheet.
Flavor variations: stir lemon zest into the cream cheese for a bright note, or fold in a spoonful of jam for a fruity twist.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover Danishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture will soften slightly but remains delicious.
Freezing: Flash-freeze baked Danishes on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to restore crispness. A toaster oven also works well. Avoid microwaving for long periods as that will make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but expect a slightly less rich texture and creaminess.

Do I need to thaw puff pastry completely before using it?
Yes, follow the package directions and thaw it just until pliable. If it becomes too soft, chill briefly before rolling.

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble the Danishes and store them unbaked in the fridge for a few hours, then bake when ready. For longer storage, freeze them unbaked and bake from frozen with a couple extra minutes.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes — use a plant-based cream cheese and a vegan puff pastry, and replace the egg wash with a bit of plant milk mixed with maple syrup for color.

What if my pastry puffs unevenly?
Ensure even rolling thickness and proper oven temperature. Cold pastry that warms up too much can cause uneven puffing; chilling briefly can help.

Conclusion

This Easy 30 Min Cream Cheese Danish is proof that impressive pastries don’t need to be complicated. With minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and a delicious result, it’s a cozy treat that’s perfect for weekday mornings or leisurely brunches. If you’d like a tried-and-true version from a trusted recipe source for comparison or inspiration, check out this Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe and then come back to try your own spin. Give these a bake, share them with family, and enjoy the smiles they bring.