Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these mini cherry cheese danishes! They’re like little bites of heaven, with a flaky, buttery crust filled with luscious cream cheese and sweet cherry filling. Seriously, every time I make these, my kitchen fills with the most delightful aroma, and I can’t help but sneak a taste before they even cool down! They’re ridiculously easy to whip up, too—perfect for a quick dessert or a fancy brunch treat. Plus, they look so cute on a plate, your friends will think you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try making these mini cherry cheese danishes, you’ll want to have them on repeat in your home. They’re simply irresistible!
Ingredients List
Now, let’s gather everything you’ll need to create these scrumptious mini cherry cheese danishes! Here’s a straightforward list to make sure you have all the right ingredients on hand:
- 1 package of puff pastry (thawed) – make sure it’s fully thawed for easy rolling!
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – let it sit out for a bit to get nice and creamy.
- 1/4 cup sugar – this will sweeten up that cream cheese beautifully.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – because every great dessert deserves a hint of vanilla!
- 1 cup cherry pie filling – feel free to use homemade or your favorite store-bought version.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash) – this will give your danishes that lovely golden finish.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) – just a light sprinkle before serving for that charming touch!
And there you have it! Gather these goodies, and we’ll be ready to make some magic happen in the kitchen!
How to Prepare Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Alright, let’s get into the fun part! Making these mini cherry cheese danishes is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through every step. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together!
Preparing the Puff Pastry
First things first, you’ll want to roll out your puff pastry. Make sure it’s fully thawed—this is key for easy handling! Dust your work surface with a little flour to prevent sticking. Then, roll out the pastry to about ¼ inch thick. Next, cut the pastry into squares—around 3 to 4 inches per side works perfectly. Don’t worry about being too perfect; they’ll still look adorable when baked!
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
Now, let’s whip up that dreamy cream cheese filling! In a mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a spoon, mix until it’s super smooth and creamy. You really want that cream cheese to be soft, so it blends well—trust me, it makes a world of difference in texture!
Assembling the Danishes
Time to assemble! Take a square of puff pastry and place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture right in the center. Then, add a dollop of cherry pie filling on top. Now, here’s the fun part: fold the corners of the pastry square into the center, pinching to seal them tightly. This will create those lovely little pockets of deliciousness. If you want, you can also create a little twist by folding them differently—just make sure they’re sealed well!
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you’re assembling. Once your danishes are ready, place them on a lined baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg for that gorgeous golden finish. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. Once they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Before serving, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for that sweet, elegant touch. And voilà! You’ve got a batch of irresistible mini cherry cheese danishes ready to impress!
Tips for Success
To make sure your mini cherry cheese danishes turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, don’t rush the thawing process for your puff pastry; it really needs to be fully thawed to roll out smoothly. If you want to switch things up, feel free to use other fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry—those work beautifully too!
When sealing the danishes, make sure to pinch the corners tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just pop them in the oven for a quick reheat before serving again. Trust me, they’ll still taste amazing!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values for these mini cherry cheese danishes can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per danish:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
Always check the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information—your delicious creations deserve it!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about these mini cherry cheese danishes, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry is a classic, you can swap it out for any fruit filling you love—blueberry, peach, or even a mix of berries would be fantastic!
How should I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt!), just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. A quick reheat in the oven will bring back that lovely flaky texture!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the danishes and assemble them a few hours in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. They’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
No worries! You can use crescent roll dough instead for a different twist. It’ll still taste amazing, just a bit different in texture!
Are these danishes freeze-friendly?
Definitely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked danishes. Just place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, once you dive into making these mini cherry cheese danishes, you’ll see just how fantastic they truly are! Here are a few reasons why this recipe will quickly become a favorite:
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for unexpected guests or a sweet craving!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese and sweet cherry filling is simply irresistible, making every bite a delightful treat.
- Versatile Options: You can easily switch out the cherry filling for your favorite fruit, making it a flexible dessert for any occasion!
- Impressive Presentation: They look so fancy on a platter, yet you’ll know how easy they were to make. Your friends will be in awe!
- Fun for Everyone: These mini danishes are a hit with both kids and adults alike—perfect for brunch, parties, or just because!
Seriously, once you try them, you’ll be hooked! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Serving Suggestions
These mini cherry cheese danishes are so delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can take them to the next level! I love serving them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea. They also make a fabulous addition to a brunch spread with fresh fruit or a light salad. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream drizzled with chocolate sauce creates a perfect dessert experience. Enjoy experimenting with your favorites!
Final Thoughts
Alright, my friends, it’s time for you to dive into the delightful world of mini cherry cheese danishes! I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of making—and eating—these scrumptious little pastries. They’re not just treats; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that are sure to put a smile on your face!
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the magic happen. I’d love to hear about your adventures in the kitchen! Did you add any fun twists to the recipe? What fruits did you try? Please share your experiences and any tips you might have in the comments below. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of those mini cherry cheese danishes!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this cheesecake recipe or these mini cheesecakes!
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Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes: 5 Irresistible Treats to Savor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini cherry cheese danishes are delightful pastries filled with cream cheese and cherry filling.
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into squares.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
- Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.
- Fold the corners of the pastry squares to the center and pinch to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before use.
- Feel free to substitute cherry filling with another fruit if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: mini cherry cheese danishes
