Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe
If you’re searching for a treat that blends tangy cranberries, creamy filling, and a buttery, flaky crust, look no further than Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze. These pastries are the perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and rich flavors, finished with a luscious vanilla butter glaze and sparkling sugared cranberries. Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch or simply want to brighten a weekend morning, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each element—from the flaky puff pastry to the vibrant cranberries—plays a starring role in delivering taste, texture, and that irresistible bakery-style look.
- Puff Pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The essential shortcut to ultra-flaky, golden pastry without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Provides a tangy, creamy center that perfectly complements the sweet and tart toppings.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cream cheese filling, balancing its tanginess.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and aromatic depth to the filling and glaze.
- Egg (1, beaten): A simple egg wash helps the danishes bake to a beautiful, glossy golden finish.
- Fresh Cranberries (½ cup): Their vibrant tartness and color make the sugared topping pop.
- Water (¼ cup): Used to create the syrup for sugaring the cranberries.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup, plus more for rolling): Used for both the syrup and for coating the cranberries to give them sparkle and crunch.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Forms the rich base of the vanilla butter glaze.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Brings the glaze together, giving it sweetness and a silky texture.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Loosens the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Adds a second layer of vanilla aroma to the glaze, making it shine.
How to Make Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze
Step 1: Make the Sugared Cranberries
Start by infusing your cranberries with sweetness: simmer water and sugar together, then briefly bathe the cranberries in this syrup. After a short drying period, roll them in sugar for a dazzling, frosted effect. These little jewels are not only gorgeous but add a delightful pop of tartness to your Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Gently roll out your thawed puff pastry just a bit, then cut it into six even squares. Lightly score a border around each square—this tiny detail helps create that signature danish edge, giving you a pillowy center and crisp, flaky perimeter.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy mixture is the heart of your danish, and making sure it’s lump-free ensures every bite is rich and luscious.
Step 4: Assemble the Danishes
Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, being careful to keep it inside the scored border. Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg—this not only helps them turn golden but also gives your Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze that irresistible bakery sheen.
Step 5: Bake
Arrange the assembled danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry is puffed and golden, and the kitchen smells like pure heaven.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Butter Glaze
While the danishes are baking, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This glaze marries buttery richness with sweet vanilla flavor, the perfect finishing touch for your pastries.
Step 7: Glaze and Garnish
Let the danishes cool for a few minutes before drizzling generously with the vanilla butter glaze. Top each with a handful of your sparkling sugared cranberries, and marvel at how beautiful and festive your Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze look fresh from your oven.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze
Garnishes
A final dusting of powdered sugar over the top adds a snowy effect, making these danishes even more eye-catching. If you want to amp up the holiday vibes, add a sprig of fresh mint or a little grated orange zest for color and brightness.
Side Dishes
Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with fresh fruit salads, a bowl of Greek yogurt, or a steaming mug of coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, consider serving alongside scrambled eggs or savory breakfast casseroles for a sweet and savory balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange the danishes on a rustic wooden board or tiered stand and scatter extra sugared cranberries around for a festive touch. You can also cut the danishes into halves or quarters and serve them as bite-sized treats at a dessert buffet, letting guests savor a taste of the season.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they tend to disappear quickly!), store your Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The pastry will stay tender, and the glaze will remain beautifully glossy.
Freezing
To freeze, let the danishes cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can freeze the danishes (without the sugared cranberries) for up to one month. Add fresh sugared cranberries after reheating for the best texture and look.
Reheating
Revive your danishes by warming them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This brings back the crispness of the pastry and refreshes the flavors. If you’re short on time, a few seconds in the microwave works, though the pastry will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries work best for sugaring, as frozen ones can become mushy when thawed and won’t coat as nicely with sugar. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, try using another tart berry or skip the sugared fruit topping.
Can I make the danishes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sugared cranberries up to a day ahead and store them at room temperature. The danishes themselves are best enjoyed the day they’re baked, but you can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
Puff pastry is key to that classic flaky texture, but in a pinch, crescent roll dough can be used for a softer, breadier danish. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Is there a way to make these danishes less sweet?
Absolutely. Reduce the sugar in the cream cheese filling or the glaze to suit your taste, or skip the glaze altogether and just dust with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
Can I add other fruits or flavors?
Of course! Try adding a little orange zest to the cream cheese filling, or topping the danishes with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even a dollop of lemon curd for a new twist on Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking up a batch of Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze and sharing them with friends or family. Every bite is a celebration of texture, flavor, and eye-catching beauty. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a bakery-worthy treat right in your own kitchen!
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Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Vanilla Butter Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 6 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these elegant Cream Cheese Danishes topped with sweet sugared cranberries and drizzled with a smooth vanilla butter glaze. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or special dessert occasions, these puff pastry treats combine creamy, tart, and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Danish Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Sugared Cranberries
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
Vanilla Butter Glaze
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Sugared Cranberries: Combine water and ¼ cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add fresh cranberries and stir for 1 minute to coat and slightly soften them. Remove cranberries with a slotted spoon and spread on a wire rack to dry for about 30 minutes. Once dry, roll them in additional granulated sugar until coated and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slightly roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut into six equal squares. Using a knife, lightly score a border about ½ inch from the edge on each square, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Danishes: Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to promote a golden shine and help seal the edges while baking.
- Bake Danishes: Place the prepared pastries on the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Prepare Vanilla Butter Glaze: While the danishes bake, whisk together melted unsalted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and slightly runny.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the danishes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle each with the prepared vanilla butter glaze and top with a few sugared cranberries for a festive touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can prepare the sugared cranberries up to a day in advance to save time.
- Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- For extra flair, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
