Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

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Craving something buttery, flaky, and sweetly tangy? These Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes bring a bakery-quality indulgence right to your kitchen. They’re the kind of treat that makes you linger a little longer at breakfast or smile a little wider during a coffee break. With golden layers of puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and bright cherry topping, these danishes deliver both visual appeal and irresistible flavor.

Perfect for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, or simply when you need a little midweek pick-me-up, these miniature pastries are deceptively simple to make. Whether you’re hosting or baking just for yourself, this recipe will make your kitchen smell like a Parisian patisserie.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes is not just about mixing and baking—it’s about assembling textures and temperatures just right. To do that, a few tools will make all the difference:

• Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: Essential for even baking and easy cleanup. These keep your pastries from sticking and ensure crisp, golden bottoms.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cleanly cutting the puff pastry into perfect squares without dragging or tearing.
• Mixing Bowl and Whisk: Used to create the smooth, creamy cheese filling. The whisk helps incorporate air for lightness.
• Pastry Brush: Optional but helpful for applying an egg wash to give your danishes that glossy, bakery-style finish.
• Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For evenly distributing the cheese and cherry fillings onto each pastry square.

Having these tools at the ready makes the process smoother and helps you achieve professional-looking results.

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Ingredients for the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in delivering that flaky, creamy, fruity magic:

• Puff Pastry Sheets: The foundation of the danishes. Buttery, layered, and crisp when baked, puff pastry brings that signature flakiness.
• Cream Cheese: Adds the creamy, slightly tangy center that balances the sweetness of the cherry topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheese filling just enough to make it feel like dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cheese mixture.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Offers bursts of sweet, tart fruitiness that pop visually and flavorfully.
• Egg (for egg wash): Gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish.
• Powdered Sugar + Milk (for icing): Once drizzled, this adds a soft, sweet finish that ties everything together.

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How To Make the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry Base

Defrost your puff pastry sheets according to package directions. Once pliable, unfold and cut into even squares (typically 9 per sheet). Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. The filling should be thick but easily spoonable.

Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, add a dollop of the cheese mixture to the center of each puff pastry square. Then top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.

Step 4: Fold the Corners (Optional Style)

For a more decorative shape, you can slightly fold or twist the pastry corners inward toward the center, but this is optional.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

Lightly beat the egg and brush the edges of the pastry with it. This step helps create that golden, glossy crust.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

Step 7: Add the Sweet Finish

Once slightly cooled, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. Let it set before serving.

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How to Serve and Store Your Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

These danishes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the pastry is at its flakiest and the filling is warm and luscious. Serve them on a platter for brunch or as a sweet side to your afternoon coffee or tea. A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of icing right before serving adds that special touch.

To store leftovers, let the danishes cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5. If you’d like to restore some of that bakery-style texture, reheat them in a toaster oven or oven at 300°F for a few minutes before serving.

Freezing? Yes, you can. Wrap cooled danishes individually and store in a freezer bag for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat when cravings strike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep puff pastry from getting soggy?

Bake on parchment and avoid overfilling with cheese or cherry filling. A crisp bottom also comes from not overcrowding your pan.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them the night before. Just bake them fresh the next morning for best results.

What if I don’t have cherry pie filling?

You can swap with any fruit topping you love—blueberry, raspberry, or even apple. Just keep the moisture level in check.

Can I make them smaller or larger?

Absolutely. Just adjust baking time slightly. Smaller ones may only need 12-14 minutes, while larger may take up to 20.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

They should be puffed up and golden on the edges. If the bottoms look pale, give them a few extra minutes.

Is the icing necessary?

Not at all—but it adds a sweet, creamy finish that many people love. You can also dust with powdered sugar if you prefer.

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Want More Sweet Pastry Ideas?

If these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes sparked your sweet tooth, you might also love other fruit-filled or cream-based delights from LadyPlate.

Try the Raspberry Crescent Rolls for a simple, buttery swirl of raspberry joy. Or go for something fruity and cool like Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries—a fun twist on cheesecake and fresh fruit.

If you’re into baked breakfast treats, the Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is a must. And for a fun and colorful dessert, check out No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies—they’re crowd-pleasers.

Or if you’re leaning toward chocolate with texture, don’t miss the Indulgent Chocolate Chess Pie for a rich and fudgy finish.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for later. Just hit that Pin button.

If you try this recipe, I’d really love to know how it worked out for you. Did you use a different fruit? Add a twist to the cheese filling? Let me know in the comments—I always enjoy seeing your variations and results.

For more recipe ideas, visit my Pinterest at LadyPlate. I share something new almost every day!

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