There is nothing quite like a buttery, flaky pastry with a creamy cheese filling to start the morning, or to pair with an afternoon coffee. This Starbucks Cheese Danish recipe lets you recreate that café favorite at home with just a handful of ingredients.
My twins love nibbling on the soft pastry while I enjoy mine warm with a cup of tea. It is simple, satisfying, and so much more budget-friendly than buying one at Starbucks. Plus, making them at home gives you the flexibility to customize flavors and control sweetness, which is especially nice when serving toddlers.
Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Cheese Danish Recipe
- Just like Starbucks: Same bakery-style flavor but fresher and made in your kitchen.
- Kid-approved: The sweet cream cheese filling makes this a hit with toddlers and kids, especially when cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Simple ingredients: No hard-to-find items. Just puff pastry, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.
- Make-ahead friendly: These can be baked and stored, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- Budget-friendly: A sheet of puff pastry and a block of cream cheese can yield multiple pastries at a fraction of the cost of a single Starbucks danish.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly. If you prefer, you can use homemade puff pastry, though it requires extra effort. Crescent roll dough is another alternative for a softer texture.
- Cream cheese (5 oz): Use full-fat for a rich, creamy texture. Reduced-fat works too, but will be slightly less decadent. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cream cheese substitute.
- Sugar (1 ½ tablespoons): White granulated sugar balances the tang of the cream cheese. Substitute with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar if you like. If making for toddlers, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and flavor. You can also use vanilla bean paste or the seeds of a vanilla bean for extra depth.
- Salt (a pinch): Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor. Do not skip—it makes a big difference.
- Egg (1): Used for the egg wash to give the pastries that golden shine. For a vegan option, use non-dairy milk instead.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Thins the egg wash for even brushing.
Optional add-ins:
- A spoonful of apricot jam under the cream cheese for a Starbucks-style copycat.
- A dusting of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- A drizzle of icing after baking for extra sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy. This will be your filling.
- Prepare the pastry: Cut the thawed puff pastry sheet into equal-sized rectangles. Aim for about 6–8 pieces, depending on the size you prefer.
- Arrange: Place the pastry rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add filling: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag and pipe a generous layer into the center of each rectangle. If you don’t have a piping bag, simply spoon the filling in carefully.
- Egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until golden, puffed, and crisp around the edges.
- Cool slightly: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will set as it cools, and the pastry will be easier to handle.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Work with cold puff pastry: Puff pastry handles best when slightly chilled. If it gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before cutting.
- Do not overfill: Too much filling may cause the cheese mixture to spill over during baking. A tablespoon of filling per pastry is usually perfect.
- Use parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Serve warm: These pastries are at their best straight from the oven, slightly cooled but still warm.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to crisp up.
- Make them fancy: Dust with powdered sugar before serving, or drizzle with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
FAQs About this Starbucks Cheese Danish Recipe
Can I freeze these cheese danishes?
Yes! You can freeze them unbaked or baked. If freezing unbaked, prepare them as directed, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes. If freezing baked danishes, allow them to cool completely, wrap individually, and reheat before serving.
Can I add fruit?
Definitely. Add a spoonful of jam (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot) under or over the cream cheese filling before baking. Fresh berries like blueberries or sliced strawberries also bake beautifully on top.
Do I have to use puff pastry?
Puff pastry is traditional, but crescent roll dough or pie crust can also work for a slightly different texture. Crescent dough yields a softer, breadier pastry, while pie crust is more crumbly.
How do I get the filling extra smooth?
Use softened cream cheese and beat it well with the sugar and vanilla until silky. A hand mixer works best for creating that fluffy, creamy texture.
Is this toddler-friendly?
Yes! These danishes are soft and easy to chew. Just serve in small pieces to little ones and be mindful of portion size and sugar content.
Can I make these ahead for breakfast?
Yes. Prepare them the night before and keep them covered in the fridge. In the morning, pop them into the oven to bake fresh.
How do I reheat leftovers?
The best way is in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This keeps the pastry crisp, unlike microwaving, which softens it.
Serving Ideas and Variations
- Classic Starbucks style – Keep it simple with cream cheese filling and golden pastry.
- Fruit Danish – Add a spoonful of jam or fresh fruit before baking.
- Glazed Danish – Whisk together powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle over cooled pastries.
- Savory Danish – Skip the sugar and vanilla, and mix the cream cheese with herbs and shredded cheese.
Pair your cheese Danish with a homemade latte or chai tea for the ultimate coffee shop experience at home.
Starbucks Cheese Danish Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Cut the puff pastry sheet into 6–8 equal rectangles.
- Arrange pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the center of each rectangle.
- Whisk the egg with water to make an egg wash, then brush it onto the pastry edges.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
💬 I’d love to hear if you try this Starbucks Cheese Danish recipe! Leave a comment or rating below to let me know how yours turned out. Did you add fruit, glaze, or keep it classic? Your feedback helps make this community even tastier.
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