If I’m craving something sweet, flaky, and creamy with my morning coffee, these easy homemade cheese danishes hit the spot every time. They taste just like the ones from Starbucks—but fresher, warmer, and far more satisfying. I love how effortlessly they come together using store-bought puff pastry, making them a bakery-quality treat I can whip up anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple yet feels so indulgent. The puff pastry bakes up perfectly golden and crisp, while the creamy cheese filling gives that signature rich, tangy sweetness. I can make a dozen at once, which is perfect for brunch, entertaining, or just keeping a few on hand for mid-morning coffee breaks. Plus, I don’t need any special baking skills—just a few basic ingredients and about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 egg
8 ounces cream cheese
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of sea salt
1 box puff pastry dough (2 sheets, thawed)
Directions
I start by preheating my oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, I whisk the egg with a splash of water and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, I beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Next, I unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each one into 6 rectangles for a total of 12 pieces.
I place the pastry rectangles on the baking sheet and spoon about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each one, spreading it slightly with the back of my spoon.
Then, I brush the edges with the egg wash to help them turn golden while baking.
I bake the danishes for 14–16 minutes, just until they’re puffed and golden brown. Once they’re done, I cool them slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 12 danishes. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake, and 40 minutes total from start to finish.
Variations
Gluten-free option: I use gluten-free puff pastry dough, such as Schar GF Puff Pastry. It may crack a bit more easily, so I sometimes roll it out again before cutting.
Fruit-topped danish: I occasionally add a few berries or a spoonful of jam on top of the filling before baking.
Lemon twist: For extra brightness, I like to increase the lemon juice or even add a bit of zest to the filling.
Icing drizzle: Once cooled, I drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top.
Storage/Reheating
Once cooled, I store the danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To freeze, I wrap each danish individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When reheating, I warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes until flaky again or heat one quickly in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
FAQs
How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?
I make sure the pastry dough is cold when I assemble the danishes and bake them immediately. This helps them rise properly and stay crisp.
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare them a few hours ahead, refrigerate the unbaked pastries, and bake them fresh right before serving.
What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?
I like to thaw it in the fridge overnight. If I’m short on time, I leave it at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes until pliable.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but I’ve found that regular cream cheese gives a richer, creamier texture. Low-fat versions may make the filling slightly thinner.
How can I make the danishes look shiny like bakery ones?
Brushing the edges with an egg wash before baking gives them that perfect golden, glossy finish.
Conclusion
I adore these easy homemade cheese danishes because they deliver all the flavor and texture of a bakery pastry without the effort. They’re flaky, creamy, and perfectly sweet—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy coffee break. Once I made them at home, I stopped ordering them from Starbucks entirely.
These easy homemade cheese danishes are a delicious Starbucks copycat, featuring golden, flaky puff pastry and a creamy, tangy-sweet cream cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or coffee breaks, they’re simple to make and incredibly satisfying.
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:12 danishes
Ingredients
1 egg
8 ounces cream cheese
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of sea salt
1 box puff pastry dough (2 sheets, thawed)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk egg with a splash of water for egg wash.
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
Unfold thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each into 6 rectangles (12 total).
Place pastry rectangles on baking sheet. Spoon 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of each and spread slightly.
Brush edges with egg wash.
Bake for 14–16 minutes until golden and puffed.
Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Add a drizzle of icing made from powdered sugar and milk after baking for extra sweetness.
Top with berries or jam before baking for a fruity variation.
Keep pastry cold before baking for best puff and texture.
