Name: Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg yolk; 0.5 cup cherry pie filling 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 0.5 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon milk; 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract

Delicate, flaky, and filled with luscious cream cheese and tart cherry filling, these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are the sweet treat your mornings (or afternoons!) have been missing. Whether served at brunch, tucked into lunchboxes, or enjoyed with an afternoon cup of coffee, these bite-sized pastries bring bakery-style indulgence to your home kitchen.

They’re incredibly simple thanks to store-bought puff pastry, yet impressive enough to wow your guests. Topped with a quick vanilla glaze, these danishes offer just the right amount of sweetness, tang, and crunch in every buttery bite.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

For ease and consistent results, use store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets. Thaw them according to package instructions and keep them chilled until you’re ready to assemble. Avoid overworking the dough—cool pastry yields flakier layers. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade rough puff works too, but it’s not necessary for this recipe to shine.

Ingredients for the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Puff Pastry Sheets – The base of the danish, providing that buttery, flaky structure.

Cream Cheese – The creamy, tangy heart of the filling.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cheese mixture just enough.

Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese layer.

Egg Yolk – Enriches the cheese filling for a smoother texture.

Cherry Pie Filling – Tart and juicy contrast to the creamy filling.

Egg Wash – Helps the pastry achieve a golden, glossy finish.

Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla – For the quick vanilla glaze drizzled on top.

How To Make the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Thaw the puff pastry sheets in the fridge until pliable but still cold. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the pastry and cut into 3×3-inch squares.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

Place a small spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Top with a teaspoon of cherry pie filling. Fold in the corners slightly or leave open for a rustic look. Brush edges with egg wash.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

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

Step 5: Drizzle with Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Once the danishes are cool, drizzle glaze over each one before serving.

Serving and Storing These Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven or within a few hours of baking while the pastry is crisp and the glaze is just set. Serve them warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or a splash of cold milk.

To store leftovers, place cooled danishes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the pastry.

These also freeze well before glazing—just bake, cool completely, and store in a freezer bag. Thaw and reheat in the oven, then drizzle glaze fresh before serving.