Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

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Whenever I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, I turn to these Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes. They’re the perfect little pastries—flaky, golden, and buttery on the outside, filled with a creamy, slightly tangy cheese filling, and topped with a glossy, vibrant cherry compote. Every bite is a balance of sweet and rich, soft and crisp. What makes them even better is that they look like something out of a high-end bakery but come together in under an hour with just a handful of ingredients.

I’ve made these danishes for brunches, baby showers, and lazy Sunday mornings. The smell alone—warm puff pastry mingled with sweet cherries—is enough to bring everyone into the kitchen. And when that creamy glaze goes on top? Perfection. You’ll be reaching for a second before you’ve even finished the first.

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Why You’ll Love These Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

These danishes strike that magical balance between convenience and decadence. With store-bought puff pastry, they’re quick to make but still taste homemade. The creamy cheese center adds richness, while the cherry topping gives a burst of bright fruitiness. They’re ideal for busy mornings, weekend treats, or last-minute guests. Plus, they’re customizable and freezer-friendly. What’s not to love?

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What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

I always recommend using all-butter puff pastry if you can find it—it makes a huge difference in flavor and texture. The layers bake up beautifully flaky and golden, with that unmistakable buttery aroma. However, if you’re in a pinch, regular frozen puff pastry works just fine. Just be sure to thaw it properly in the fridge, not the counter, to keep the layers from getting sticky or clumping together.

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Options for Substitutions

You can easily adapt these danishes to suit what you have on hand. Don’t have cherry pie filling? Try blueberry, apple, or even a homemade berry compote. Cream cheese can be swapped for mascarpone or ricotta if you’re after something a little lighter. And if you’re avoiding dairy, go with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative—just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape while baking. For the icing, a simple powdered sugar and almond milk combo will still give you that delicious drizzle effect.

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Ingredients for Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Puff Pastry Sheets
This is the flaky, buttery base that gives the danishes their signature crisp texture. Store-bought sheets make prep quick and easy.

Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese adds a rich, tangy creaminess to the filling. It balances the sweetness of the cherry topping perfectly.

Granulated Sugar
Used to sweeten the cream cheese mixture just enough without overpowering the tang.

Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor of the cream cheese filling with warm, sweet notes.

Cherry Pie Filling
Sweet, jammy cherries sit on top of the creamy layer and add a vibrant, fruity finish. You can use canned or homemade.

Egg (for egg wash)
Brushing the edges of the pastry with a beaten egg gives them that beautiful golden color when baked.

Powdered Sugar
This forms the base of the glaze, adding a sweet final touch once the danishes are cooled.

Milk or Cream
A few drops help thin out the powdered sugar for that perfect drizzle consistency.

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Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your puff pastry out of the fridge and let it thaw just enough to unfold without cracking. On a lightly floured surface, roll each sheet slightly to even it out, then cut into rectangles or squares, depending on your preferred size.

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Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be the rich layer at the base of your danish.

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Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square, spreading slightly but leaving a border around the edges. Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese.

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Step 4: Fold or Shape

You can leave the danishes open-faced, fold opposite corners over like a diamond, or twist and tuck the edges—get creative! Brush the edges of each pastry with beaten egg to help them brown beautifully.

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Step 5: Bake

Place the assembled danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

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Step 6: Glaze

While the danishes cool, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or cream to create a smooth glaze. Once the pastries are no longer hot (but still slightly warm), drizzle the glaze generously over the top.

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How Long to Cook the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

These danishes typically bake in 15 to 18 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You’ll know they’re ready when the pastry is puffed up and golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark—every oven is a little different, and you don’t want the bottoms to overbrown.

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Tips for Perfect Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

• Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: Always thaw it in the fridge—not on the counter—to maintain its layers and structure.
• Don’t Overfill: A small amount of filling goes a long way. Too much can leak out and burn on the tray.
• Use Cold Pastry: Work quickly so the pastry stays cold until it hits the oven. That’s how you get maximum puff.
• Seal Edges if Folding: Use a bit of egg wash as glue to help the folded parts stay put.
• Let Them Cool Before Glazing: The glaze will melt right off if they’re too hot. Give it 10 minutes or so.
• Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Double the Batch: These go fast! Make extra if you’re serving a crowd.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using Warm Puff Pastry: If the pastry is too warm when it goes into the oven, it won’t puff properly and could turn greasy or soggy. Always keep it chilled until you’re ready to bake.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: This little step makes a big difference in color and finish. Without it, the pastry may look pale and unfinished.
• Overloading the Filling: It’s tempting to add extra cherry or cream cheese, but too much will overflow and make a mess during baking.
• Underbaking: Puff pastry should be deeply golden. Pulling it out too early will leave the centers doughy instead of crisp.
• Glazing Too Soon: If the danishes are too hot, the glaze will run right off. Let them cool a bit for that perfect drizzle.

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What to Serve With Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes?

Fresh Fruit Salad

A colorful bowl of melon, berries, and citrus complements the rich danishes with light, juicy freshness.

Scrambled Eggs or Omelets

Add some savory balance to your breakfast table with fluffy eggs or a veggie-packed omelet.

Vanilla Yogurt or Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Creamy yogurt layered with granola and fruit adds protein and texture contrast.

Coffee or Espresso

A strong cup of coffee is a perfect match for the buttery layers and sweet cherry topping.

Mimosas or Sparkling Juice

If you’re hosting brunch, a bubbly drink keeps things festive without overwhelming the flavor.

Breakfast Sausage Links

The salty-savory flavor of sausage makes a surprising but delicious pairing with sweet danishes.

Soft Cheese Platter

For something more refined, serve with a small cheese board featuring brie, camembert, or fresh goat cheese.

Herbal or Black Tea

A hot cup of tea, especially with lemon or honey, offers a cozy, aromatic contrast to these pastries.

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Storage Instructions

These Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can absolutely be stored for later. Once fully cooled, place them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back that flaky texture—avoid the microwave if you can, as it makes the pastry soggy.

If you’d like to make them ahead, you can also freeze the unbaked assembled danishes (without glaze) on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag or container and bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes or so to the bake time.

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Estimated Nutrition (per danish, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: ~210 kcal
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 140mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Total Sugars: 9g
• Added Sugars: ~7g
• Protein: 3g

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on the brand of puff pastry and the type of filling used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! A quick homemade compote with cherries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice works beautifully. Just make sure it’s not too runny.

Can I make these danishes the night before?

Yes, you can assemble them the night before and refrigerate. Just wait to bake and glaze them in the morning for the best texture.

Can I freeze these danishes?

Yes! You can freeze them unbaked or baked (without the glaze). If baked, reheat in the oven for about 8 minutes at 300°F to refresh them.

Can I use other fruit fillings?

Definitely. Blueberry, apple, raspberry, or even lemon curd all make excellent substitutes for the cherry topping.

How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?

Don’t overload the filling, and make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Using parchment paper also helps with airflow underneath.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone, ricotta, or even a dairy-free cream cheese alternative can work. Just ensure it’s thick and not too watery.

How can I make the glaze extra flavorful?

Add a splash of almond or lemon extract to the glaze, or use orange juice instead of milk for a citrusy twist.

Do I need to prick the pastry before baking?

No pricking needed for this style—you want the puff! But pressing the center slightly before adding filling helps keep it from rising too much.

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Conclusion

Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are a simple yet elegant pastry that delivers bakery-level results with just a few pantry staples. Flaky, rich, and delightfully sweet, they’re the kind of treat that feels indulgent without being fussy. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, gifting them to a neighbor, or enjoying a cozy weekend breakfast, they’re sure to impress and disappear fast. Once you’ve made them once, you’ll find yourself coming back to this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe again and again.

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