Indulge in the delightful world of pastries with these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes—a perfect blend of flaky pastry, creamy cheese filling, and a burst of sweet cherry goodness. These bite-sized treats are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create these miniature delights that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.

Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes offer all the charm of their larger counterparts in a convenient and bite-sized form. The combination of rich cream cheese filling and sweet cherry topping makes these mini pastries a heavenly treat for any occasion.

Ingredients: Creating Miniature Masterpieces

For the Pastry:

1 package (8 ounces) crescent roll dough (seamless if available)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk

For the Cherry Topping:

1/2 cup cherry pie filling

For Glaze (Optional):

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Mini Cherry Cheese Danish Bliss

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Pastry:

If using crescent roll dough, unroll the sheet onto a lightly floured surface. If using seamless crescent dough, you can skip this step.

3. Cut the Dough:

Cut the dough into small squares, each approximately 2×2 inches.

4. Create Cream Cheese Filling:

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.

5. Fill the Squares:

Spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each dough square.

6. Form Danish Shapes:

Fold the corners of each dough square over the filling, creating a pinwheel or square shape.

7. Add Cherry Topping:

Place a dollop of cherry pie filling in the center of each formed Danish.

8. Bake to Perfection:

Arrange the filled Danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the cream cheese is set.

9. Optional Glaze:

If desired, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the Danishes to cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Tips for Perfect Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes: Mastering the Bite-Sized Art

Seamless Dough: If available, opt for seamless crescent roll dough for a smoother and more even appearance.
Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth and easily spreadable filling.
Cherry Pie Filling Varieties: Experiment with different cherry pie filling varieties, such as those with added flavors like almond or cinnamon.
Glazing Options: Customize the glaze by adjusting the thickness with more or less milk. You can also add a touch of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Fresh vs. Canned Cherries: While cherry pie filling is convenient, you can also use fresh or canned cherries cooked with sugar as a homemade topping.
Variation Ideas: Explore other fruit fillings, such as blueberry or raspberry, for a variety of flavor options.

In conclusion, Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Danish pastry in a bite-sized form. With their creamy filling, sweet cherry topping, and flaky pastry, these mini treats are sure to become a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet occasion. So, embark on a journey of miniature pastry perfection, gather your ingredients, and savor the petite pleasures of Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes.

Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes