If you’re craving a treat that’s as festive as it is irresistible, Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze are your answer. Imagine silky cream cheese nestled in crisp, flaky pastry, topped with jewel-bright sugared cranberries and kissed with a luscious butter glaze—these Danishes are pure joy in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an eye-catching dessert, this recipe comes together quickly but looks like it leapt from a pastry shop window. Your friends and family won’t believe you made them yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic behind these easy but impressive Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze. Every ingredient plays a starring role, coming together to create layers of texture, flavor, and beautiful color you won’t want to miss.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The buttery, flaky foundation that gives your Danishes their unmistakable crunch and golden layers.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): A rich, tangy base for your filling that melts to creamy perfection against the warm pastry.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the cream cheese mixture, balancing tang with sugar.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for filling, 1/2 teaspoon for glaze): Gives both your creamy filling and silky glaze a wonderfully fragrant lift.
- Fresh cranberries (1 cup): Tart and bold, these get transformed into sparkling, sweet gems for topping your Danishes.
- Water (1/2 cup for syrup, 1 tablespoon for egg wash): Helps make a simple syrup for cranberries and preps your egg wash for perfect browning.
- Sugar (1 cup, divided): Used twice—half for the cranberry syrup, half as the coating that turns cranberries into glittering jewels.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): The secret to a velvety, rich glaze that sets into a delicate sheen.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Essential for that smooth, sweet butter glaze that drifts over the top of each Danish.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Brings the glaze to drizzling consistency, making it easy to pour over each pastry.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): A brush of egg gives your pastries a glorious, bakery-style color and shine.
How to Make Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Cranberries
Begin by making those irresistible sugared cranberries. Combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar in a small saucepan, bringing them to a gentle simmer. Stir until you see the sugar fully dissolve, then remove from heat and toss in your fresh cranberries, coating them all over. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cranberries to a wire rack; let them dry for a few minutes until tacky, then roll them in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar for that signature sparkle. Set aside—they’ll be ready right when the Danishes are baked.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Mix softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. Beat until completely smooth and creamy. At this stage, you could even mix in a little orange zest for added brightness—it’s optional, but highly recommended if you want a nuanced citrus note.
Step 3: Shape the Puff Pastry
Lay out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it just enough to even out the seams. Slice into 6 equal squares. Place a healthy spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square. Gently fold the corners toward the center of each square, pressing down lightly so they stick and create those classic Danish folds.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash and Bake
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water to make a quick egg wash. Brush this mixture over the exposed edges of your pastries—this is what helps them bake up shiny and temptingly golden. Arrange the Danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, until puffed and deeply golden brown.
Step 5: Whisk the Butter Glaze
While the Danishes are doing their magic in the oven, melt the butter and whisk it together with the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Keep whisking until you have a silky, pourable glaze without any lumps. The butter brings depth and a gentle, rich finish that ties everything together.
Step 6: Finish and Top
Let your beautiful Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze cool for a few minutes once out of the oven. Drizzle generously with butter glaze. While the glaze is still slightly tacky, top with a handful of those crystalline sugared cranberries for a pop of color and tart-sweet crunch. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort, or let them cool for a snappy, handheld treat.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze
Garnishes
For extra visual flair, dust each Danish with a fine snowfall of powdered sugar just before serving. A touch of finely grated orange zest really wakes up the cranberries, while sprigs of fresh mint add a charming pop of green to your Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze platter.
Side Dishes
These Danishes are delightful with a bowl of vanilla yogurt or lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side. If you’re serving brunch, pair with a bowl of fresh fruit salad or a hot pot of your favorite coffee or tea—the richness of the cream cheese and butter glaze shines alongside lighter, tangy accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Danishes on a tiered cake stand with extra sugared cranberries tumbling around the base. For a holiday party, serve them in festive paper liners with a drizzle of butter glaze just before guests arrive. They even look gorgeous individually wrapped in parchment and tied with ribbon as edible gifts that show you care!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pastry is best fresh, but the flavor keeps beautifully if you plan to enjoy them over a couple of mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked (but unglazed and un-topped) Danishes for up to a month. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature, then proceed with butter glaze and sugared cranberries before serving for that just-baked finish.
Reheating
To restore that beloved flaky texture, reheat your Danishes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes. Add glaze and cranberries after warming for the freshest taste and appearance—the butter glaze will settle beautifully on a warmed pastry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries will work if that’s what you have on hand. Let them thaw and dry slightly before coating in simple syrup and rolling in sugar so they sparkle just like the fresh ones.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
If you can’t find puff pastry, crescent dough sheets are a handy substitute. You’ll get a slightly different texture, but it will still be delicious!
Can I prepare Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze in advance?
Absolutely! Make the sugared cranberries and cream cheese filling a day ahead, and assemble and bake the Danishes just before serving for best freshness. You can also prep the Danishes and bake them off the next morning for a relaxed brunch.
Is there a way to make these Danishes extra festive for holidays?
Definitely—just add some orange or lemon zest to the filling, use colorful liners, or sprinkle edible glitter on the glaze for a showstopping festive treat.
How do I keep the pastry crisp after baking?
Let the Danishes cool on a wire rack to keep the bottoms from getting soggy, and avoid covering them while still warm. Store the butter glaze separately if you need to make ahead and glaze just before serving for the crispiest bite.
Final Thoughts
I hope making Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze brings you as much joy as sharing them with loved ones always brings me. Whether for a cozy holiday breakfast, a dazzling brunch, or a sweet surprise with your afternoon coffee, these pastries are truly special—so go ahead, treat yourself and bake up a batch!
Print
Cream Cheese Danishes with Sugared Cranberries and Butter Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 Danishes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cream Cheese Danishes topped with sugared cranberries and a sweet butter glaze. These pastries are perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry
Cream Cheese Filling:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sugared Cranberries:
1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup water, 1 cup sugar (divided)
Butter Glaze:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash:
1 egg, 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cranberries: Simmer 1/2 cup water with 1/2 cup sugar. Coat cranberries and let dry.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble Danishes: Roll out puff pastry, cut into squares, fill with cream cheese, fold, and brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Make Glaze: Whisk melted butter with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Finish: Drizzle glaze over warm Danishes and top with sugared cranberries. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can prepare the sugared cranberries a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
- For extra flavor, add a bit of orange zest to the cream cheese filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Danish
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
