Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

**Optional Glaze:**

* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
* 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

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### 👩‍🍳 Instructions

#### 1. **Prep the Puff Pastry**

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry and cut into rectangles or squares (about 4×4 inches works well).

#### 2. **Mix the Cream Cheese Filling**

In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.

#### 3. **Assemble the Danish**

Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square. Top with a teaspoon of strawberry preserves or a few diced fresh strawberries.

Optional: Fold or twist the corners of the pastry slightly for a decorative look, or leave flat for a more rustic style.

Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.

#### 4. **Bake**

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes.

#### 5. **Add the Glaze (Optional)**

Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled Danishes for a bakery-style touch.

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### 🌟 Tips for Success

* **Use cold pastry** for best puff—if it gets too warm while working, chill it for 10 minutes before baking.
* **Don’t overfill** the center or it may leak while baking.
* **Add crunch** by sprinkling coarse sugar on the edges before baking.
* **Make ahead** by prepping the filling and pastry the night before; assemble fresh in the morning.

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### 🧁 Variations

* **Mixed Berry Danish** – Use blueberries, raspberries, or a berry medley.
* **Lemon Cream Danish** – Add lemon zest to the filling and top with lemon curd.
* **Chocolate Strawberry** – Drizzle with melted chocolate instead of glaze.

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### ☕ Perfect Pairing

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a light, floral tea. Serve them warm for the ultimate cozy treat, or enjoy chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.

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### 🍽️ Final Thoughts

Elegant, easy, and utterly irresistible, the **Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish** is one of those recipes that looks fancy but takes minimal effort. Whether you’re making a tray for guests or just spoiling yourself on a Sunday morning, this pastry is sure to bring a smile with every bite.

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**Try it once, and it might just become your go-to homemade pastry.**

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