Get ready to impress your family and friends this holiday season with a delightful treat that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with a creamy, sweet filling! Our Cream Cheese Santa Danish is not just a dessert; it's a festive centerpiece that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With its charming Santa hat shape and vibrant red and green sprinkles, this recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy breakfast at home. In just 45 minutes, you can create a magical dish that brings joy to your table and fills the air with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and make your holiday celebrations even more special!
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Red and green sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Carefully unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 8 equal rectangular pieces.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the corners of each pastry rectangle towards the center, creating a Santa hat-like shape. Pinch the edges gently to seal the filling inside.
- Brush each pastry with beaten egg wash, ensuring complete coverage to help achieve a golden brown color.
- Sprinkle red and green holiday sprinkles over the top of each Danish for a festive appearance.
- Transfer the prepared Danishes to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful holiday breakfast or dessert.
Tips
- Thaw Properly: Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it. This will make it easier to roll out and shape without tearing.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Soften your cream cheese to room temperature for a smoother filling. This helps it blend perfectly with the sugar and vanilla.
- Don’t Overfill: When adding the cream cheese mixture to the pastry, be careful not to overfill. A spoonful in the center is just right to prevent spillage during baking.
- Seal Well: Make sure to pinch the edges of the pastry tightly to seal in the filling. This will keep the delicious cream cheese mixture from leaking out while baking.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brush the pastries with the beaten egg wash thoroughly to achieve that beautiful golden-brown finish that’s visually appealing.
- Experiment with Sprinkles: Get creative with your holiday sprinkles! You can use edible glitter or even crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
- Cooling Time: Allow the Danishes to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these delightful pastries warm or at room temperature, and consider pairing them with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee for the ultimate holiday treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 253kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 61mg
