Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the creamy texture of cream cheese, creating a treat that is simply irresistible. As I take a bite, I am transported to a quaint café in Europe, where these delicious danishes have been enjoyed for centuries. The origins of the Danish pastry can be traced back to the 19th century, when bakers in Denmark began experimenting with laminated dough, leading to the flaky, buttery layers we adore today.
What makes Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish so beloved is not just its exquisite taste, but also its perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. The velvety cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate, while the flaky pastry adds a satisfying crunch. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, this pastry is incredibly convenient to make and share with friends and family. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
First things first, let’s whip up that delicious cream cheese filling that will be the star of our Danish. It’s super easy and only takes a few minutes!
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until everything is well combined and there are no lumps. You want a nice, fluffy texture.
- Once mixed, set the cream cheese filling aside. It’s time to work on the puff pastry!
Preparing the Puff Pastry
Now that we have our filling ready, let’s move on to the puff pastry. This is what gives our Danish that flaky, buttery goodness!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your Danish bakes perfectly.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry. If it’s still a bit cold, let it sit for a few minutes to make it easier to work with.
- Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. You want it to be thin enough to create layers but thick enough to hold the filling.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into squares, about 4×4 inches. You should be able to get about 6-8 squares, depending on how large you cut them.
Assembling the Danish
Now comes the fun part—assembling our Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish! This is where you can get creative.
- Take one square of puff pastry and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- In the center of the pastry square, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling. Make sure to leave some space around the edges.
- Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese filling. You can adjust the amount based on how chocolatey you want it!
- Now, fold the corners of the pastry square towards the center, overlapping them slightly. This will create a beautiful pocket for the filling.
- Repeat the process with the remaining pastry squares, cream cheese filling, and chocolate chips.
Applying the Egg Wash
To give our Danish a beautiful golden color, we’ll apply an egg wash before baking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk until well combined.
- Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash over the tops of each assembled Danish. Be careful not to let it drip down the sides, as this can prevent the pastry from puffing up nicely.
Baking the Danish
It’s almost time to enjoy our delicious creation! Let’s get these in the oven.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Once they’re done baking, remove the Danish from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Serving the Danish
Now that our Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve them up!
- Transfer the Danish to a wire
Conclusion:
In summary, this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful blend of rich chocolate and creamy cheese wrapped in a flaky pastry. The combination of textures and flavors creates a heavenly treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet afternoon snack. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or at room temperature, each bite is sure to bring a smile to your face. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Danish with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk. You can also get creative with variations by adding fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist, or even a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the chocolate for a different flavor of jam or cream cheese to suit your taste. I encourage you to give this Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish a try and experience the joy it brings. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this delightful pastry together! Print
Chocolate Cream Cheese Danish: A Decadent Recipe for Breakfast or Dessert
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 pieces 1x
Description
Enjoy these Chocolate Cream Cheese Danishes, featuring a rich cream cheese filling and semi-sweet chocolate chips, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these easy-to-make pastries are sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until well combined and fluffy.
- Set the cream cheese filling aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry. Let it sit for a few minutes if it’s still cold.
- Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the pastry into squares, about 4×4 inches (yielding 6-8 squares).
- Place one square of puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of the pastry square, leaving space around the edges.
- Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Fold the corners of the pastry square towards the center, overlapping them slightly.
- Repeat with the remaining pastry squares, filling, and chocolate chips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk.
- Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash over the tops of each assembled Danish.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Remove the Danish from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the Danish to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optionally, dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite chocolate or fruit additions.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
