Description
This heavenly cheese danish has flaky layers, creamy filling, and a maple-sweet finish—perfect for brunch or a weekend treat.
Ingredients
2 packages (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
½ cup warm water 110° to 115°F
4 cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup cold butter cubed
1 cup 2% milk
4 large egg yolks room temperature
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
12 ounces cream cheese softened
⅓ cup sugar
1 large egg separated
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons maple syrup`
Instructions
1. Combine yeast and warm water in small bowl. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, and salt in large bowl. Cut in cold butter.
3. Add milk, egg yolks, and yeast mixture. Mix to form soft dough.
4. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill for 8–24 hours.
5. Punch down dough. Divide into 4 portions.
6. Pat each into 9×4-inch rectangle. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
7. Slice each into 4 strips. Twist and coil each strip.
8. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and egg yolk until smooth.
9. Indent each coil center. Fill with 1 tbsp of filling.
10. Let rise 45 minutes until doubled.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F.
12. Brush with egg white and water mixture.
13. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
14. Brush warm pastries with maple syrup.
Notes
Add vanilla or lemon zest to the filling for extra flavor. Store baked danishes up to 2 days at room temp or freeze for 1 month.