Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a bakery-style treat that looks impressive but takes minimal effort, Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are your new favorite shortcut to sweet bliss. These little pastries come together quickly thanks to frozen puff pastry, yet they deliver a luscious cream cheese center and a juicy cherry topping that’s downright irresistible.

Perfect for a brunch table, holiday breakfast, or even just a cozy weekend treat, these danishes offer everything you want in a dessert or sweet breakfast: buttery flakiness, creamy filling, and a pop of fruity tartness. They look elegant enough for entertaining but are easy enough to whip up on a whim.

Why You’ll Love This Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are the ultimate combination of convenience and indulgence. You’ll love them because they’re made with simple ingredients, yet they create a pastry that rivals anything you’d find at a bakery. The contrast between the crisp, golden puff pastry and the smooth, lightly sweetened cream cheese filling makes every bite delightful.

Plus, they’re small enough to enjoy guilt-free and easy to customize with different fruit toppings if cherries aren’t your thing. They also make a lovely gift or party tray addition and hold up well for a couple of days without losing their charm.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

For the best results, use a high-quality all-butter frozen puff pastry. It gives that golden, flaky finish and rich taste that really elevates the danish. Brands like Dufour or Trader Joe’s puff pastry work beautifully, but even a standard store-bought version will do the trick.

Make sure to thaw the puff pastry properly before you start. If it’s too cold, it’ll crack when you unfold it. If it’s too warm, it becomes sticky and hard to handle. Aim for just cool enough to work with but pliable enough to cut and shape.

Ingredients for the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

These danishes come together with just a few pantry and fridge staples. Each ingredient plays a delicious role in creating the perfect bite-sized pastry.

• Puff Pastry: The buttery, flaky base that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth and tangy, it forms the creamy filling at the heart of each danish.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without overpowering it.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rich flavor to the cream cheese filling.
• Cherry Pie Filling: The fruity crown of each danish, providing color and sweet-tart goodness.
• Egg: Used for an egg wash to give the pastries a golden, glossy finish.

How To Make the Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Thaw your puff pastry according to the package instructions. Once thawed but still cool, unfold and cut each sheet into even squares. Typically, one sheet can make about 9 squares.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This will form the luscious base of your danishes.

Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, then top it with a spoonful of cherry pie filling.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch

Fold the corners slightly or leave the squares open-faced for a more rustic look. Beat an egg and brush the edges of the pastry for a golden finish once baked.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving so the filling sets a bit. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve and Store These Mini Danishes

These mini cherry cheese danishes are best served slightly warm or at room temperature, when the filling is creamy and the pastry is still crisp. They’re perfect for serving on a breakfast platter, during tea time, or as a charming dessert after dinner. One batch makes about 18 pastries, which comfortably feeds 6 to 8 people.

If you’re making them ahead, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days, and reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 300°F to restore their flakiness. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the pastry soggy.

What to Serve With Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes?

Fresh Berries and Mint

A light bowl of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with mint leaves makes a refreshing contrast to the richness of the danishes.

Iced Coffee or Cold Brew

Pair these pastries with a chilled coffee for a sweet and slightly bitter combo that’s hard to beat.

Yogurt Parfaits

A creamy Greek yogurt parfait with granola and honey balances out the sweetness and adds some protein to your plate.

Sparkling Lemon Water

For a bright and cleansing sip between bites, serve sparkling water with lemon or a hint of mint.

Breakfast Sausages

For a heartier brunch, savory sausage links or patties complement the sweet danishes without competing for attention.

Mimosas

If it’s a celebratory brunch, a classic mimosa made with orange juice and bubbly is a festive touch.

Almond Milk Latte

The nutty undertones in an almond milk latte pair beautifully with the cherry and cream cheese flavors.

Deviled Eggs

These offer a savory counterbalance and add protein, making your breakfast spread feel more complete.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you can’t get enough sweet treats like these mini cherry cheese danishes, check out some of our other irresistible options:

• Try the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Whip up some Lemon Truffles if you love citrusy bites.
• These Classic French Butter Cookies offer the perfect crisp texture and buttery richness.
• Go for Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars when you’re short on time but need big flavor.
• And if chocolate is calling, you’ll swoon for the Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Mini Cherry Cheese Danishes are the kind of treat that feels luxurious without requiring bakery-level skills. With flaky layers, creamy centers, and vibrant cherry topping, they’re bound to steal the spotlight at your next brunch or dessert table. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven or save a few for the next morning, they promise a moment of pure joy in every bite.

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