If you love bakery-style pastries but want something simple enough to make at home, these Mini Cheese Danishes are about to become your new favorite treat. Flaky, golden puff pastry wrapped around a rich, creamy cheese filling—this recipe delivers all the indulgence of a classic bakery Danish with minimal effort.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping a holiday breakfast, or simply craving a sweet morning pastry, this easy puff pastry breakfast recipe comes together quickly and looks beautifully impressive. The best part? Store-bought puff pastry does most of the heavy lifting, so you get professional results without complicated techniques.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master these irresistible cream cheese danishes.

Why You’ll Love These Mini Cheese Danishes

There are plenty of breakfast pastry recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

Beginner-friendly: No yeast, no complicated laminating dough.
Quick to prepare: Minimal prep with simple ingredients.
Perfectly portioned: Mini size makes them ideal for sharing.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep ahead and bake fresh when needed.
Customizable: Add fruit, chocolate, or citrus flavors easily.

These quick breakfast pastries are elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weekday treat.

What Is a Cheese Danish?

A traditional cheese Danish is a Scandinavian-inspired pastry made from laminated dough and filled with sweetened cream cheese. While authentic Danish pastry requires careful folding and butter layering, this homemade version uses frozen puff pastry for convenience.

The result? Flaky layers, creamy filling, and a golden finish that rivals any bakery display.

Mini versions are especially popular because they bake faster, serve easily, and feel a little extra special.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these delightful mini cheese danishes:

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but cold)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional but recommended)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water
Powdered sugar (for dusting or glaze)

Optional Add-Ins:

Fresh berries
Fruit preserves
Chocolate chips
Almond extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until fully combined and silky.
Prepare the puff pastry. Lightly flour your surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll gently to smooth seams if needed.
Cut into squares. Slice the pastry into 9 equal squares for mini danishes.
Create the centers. Gently score a smaller square inside each piece, about 1/2 inch from the edge, without cutting all the way through. This helps create a raised border.
Add filling. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square, spreading slightly but keeping within the scored border.
Apply egg wash. Beat the egg with water and brush along the edges of the pastry for a golden finish.
Bake. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden brown.
Cool slightly. Let cool on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes.
Finish. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry

Even though this recipe is simple, these tips will guarantee bakery-quality results:

1. Keep Puff Pastry Cold

Warm pastry becomes sticky and won’t puff properly. If it softens, chill for 10 minutes before baking.

2. Don’t Overfill

Too much filling can overflow during baking. Stick to about 1 tablespoon per mini Danish.

3. Use Egg Wash Generously

Egg wash gives that glossy, golden bakery finish.

4. Bake Until Deep Golden

Underbaking leads to soggy centers. Look for deep golden edges and fully puffed layers.

Flavor Variations

One of the best things about this homemade cheese danish recipe is how easy it is to customize.

Berry Cheese Danishes

Add a teaspoon of raspberry or blueberry preserves on top of the cream cheese filling before baking.

Lemon Cream Cheese

Increase lemon zest and add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.

Almond Danish

Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to the filling and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.

Chocolate Swirl

Fold mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture for a dessert-style treat.

Serving Suggestions

These mini cheese danishes are incredibly versatile:

Serve with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
Pair with coffee or cappuccino for brunch.
Add to a holiday breakfast spread.
Include in a dessert platter.
Pack into lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.

They’re especially popular during fall and winter gatherings when cozy pastries shine.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To Store:

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness.

To Freeze:

Freeze baked danishes in a single layer. Reheat directly from frozen at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.

You can also assemble them ahead of time and freeze unbaked. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Danish)

Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Sugar: 9g

Values will vary depending on brand of puff pastry and additions.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Mornings

In today’s fast-paced world, we all want recipes that are:

Fast
Reliable
Impressive
Delicious

This easy puff pastry breakfast checks every box. It transforms simple ingredients into a pastry that looks like it took hours.

Because puff pastry is already laminated, you skip the complicated steps while still achieving buttery layers.

Fun Fact About Danish Pastries

Despite the name, “Danish” pastries were actually influenced by Austrian bakers who introduced laminated dough techniques to Denmark in the 19th century. Over time, the pastry evolved into the sweet, cheese-filled treat we know today.

Mini versions are a modern twist that makes them more practical and portion-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat gives a richer texture and flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free puff pastry brand available at specialty stores.

Why didn’t my pastry puff?

The pastry may have been too warm or underbaked.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Absolutely! If you enjoy baking from scratch, homemade dough works beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Cheese Danishes are proof that homemade pastries don’t have to be complicated. With flaky puff pastry, creamy filling, and endless flavor possibilities, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Whether you’re baking for family, entertaining guests, or treating yourself, this quick breakfast pastry recipe delivers bakery-level results every single time.

Once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection.