Description
Delight in these homemade Chocolate Cheese Danishes featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth cream cheese and chocolate center, then drizzled with a rich chocolate topping. Perfectly golden and irresistibly sweet, these pastries make an ideal breakfast treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 1 puff pastry sheet
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg yolk (reserve the white)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 ounces baking chocolate or 6 tablespoons chocolate chips
Topping
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon vegetable oil or shortening
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: If frozen, allow the puff pastry sheet to thaw at room temperature for about 40 minutes until soft enough to handle. If defrosted, let it sit unwrapped for 5 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer to beat until mostly smooth; some small lumps are acceptable for texture.
- Assemble Danishes: Cut the puff pastry sheet into six equal rectangles. Spoon about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each rectangle. Place a piece of baking chocolate or about 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips atop the filling. Roll up each rectangle carefully and pinch the seams shut to seal. Lightly brush the seams and tops with the reserved egg white using the tip of your finger to help them brown beautifully.
- Bake the Danishes: Arrange the prepared danishes evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 16 minutes until they turn a golden brown color and puff nicely. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle (Optional): In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1/3 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 teaspoon vegetable oil or shortening. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each until melted and smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a small plastic bag, snip off one tip, and drizzle over the cooled danishes for an elegant finishing touch.
- Serve and Store: These danishes are best enjoyed the day they are made for optimal freshness and flakiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain texture and flavor for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Allow puff pastry to thaw fully to prevent cracks when rolling.
- The reserved egg white helps create a shiny, golden finish on the danishes.
- If preferred, use chocolate chips for filling instead of baking chocolate for convenience.
- The chocolate drizzle is optional but adds a lovely decorative and flavor boost.
- Consume freshly baked for the best texture and taste; refrigeration is not recommended as it can make the pastry soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Cheese Danish, puff pastry dessert, cream cheese danish, easy pastry recipe, chocolate pastry
