Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish (Print Version)

Flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese, jam, and strawberries create a delicious, easy treat for breakfast or dessert.

# Ingredients:

→ Cheese Mixture

01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - Zest of 1 lemon
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Pastry

05 - 17.25 ounces frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed

→ Egg Wash

06 - 1 large egg, beaten

→ Filling and Topping

07 - 16 teaspoons strawberry jam
08 - 16 fresh strawberries, sliced

→ Glaze

09 - 1 cup powdered sugar
10 - 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Instructions:

01 - Combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Beat until mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
02 - Lay out one sheet of puff pastry and gently roll to smooth creases. Cut lengthwise into 1-inch strips. Repeat with second sheet.
03 - Twist each pastry strip to create a ribbon. Coil each strip around one end to form a round shape and place on baking sheets, leaving space between each round.
04 - Transfer baking sheets with shaped pastry to the refrigerator and chill for 15 minutes.
05 - Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Remove pastry from refrigerator, press a groove into the center of each with your thumb, and prick centers with a fork.
06 - Brush pastries with beaten egg, avoiding the grooves. Place 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center of each. Add a scant tablespoon of cream cheese mixture over the jam, then another 1/2 teaspoon of jam on top.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, or until pastry is puffed and golden. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract together until smooth and pourable. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
09 - Top each pastry with fresh strawberry slices, drizzle generously with glaze, and serve.

# Notes:

01 - Chilling the shaped pastry helps maintain its definition during baking.
02 - Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture.

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