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This Cranberry Cream Cheese Danish Puff Pastry recipe has a tantalizing sweet orange glaze. Flaky layers of golden puff pastry envelop a luscious pre-made cream cheese filling, perfectly balanced with the tangy sweetness of cranberries. As you take a bite, the creamy and tart flavors dance on your tongue, creating a symphony of taste. But wait, there’s more! A drizzle of irresistible sweet orange glaze cascades over the Danish, adding a citrusy zing that takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. 

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

Why You’ll Love These Danish Pastries

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings or impromptu brunches.
• Versatile – swap out the cranberry sauce for other flavors like raspberry, apple, blueberry, or even lemon curd.
• Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days before serving.
• Makes a stunning presentation for any special occasion or holiday gathering.
• Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, with the cream cheese filling adding a touch of richness and creaminess.

Puff Pastry Danish Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Puff Pastry Dough: This light and fluffy store-bought puff pastry dough can be found in the freezer section or refrigerated section of your local grocery store.

No Bake Cheesecake Filling: This can be found near the cream cheese at your grocery store. This simple cream cheese pre-made mixture makes this recipe easy and quick to put together. If you can’t find it, use this recipe for Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake found here.

Cranberry Sauce: I created this recipe to use up some leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving. Feel free to use a jam, like raspberry or strawberry, or even apple pie filling as a variation of this recipe.

Egg & Warm Water: These will be used to make an egg wash to help the down turn a golden brown color when baking.

Powdered Sugar: This will serve as the base of the orange glaze that will be drizzled over each cream cheese Danish.

Orange Juice:  This will add a citrusy kick to the glaze and help thin it out for easier drizzling.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth of flavor to the glaze.

Orange Zest: The outer peel of an orange is packed with essential oils that bring a bright, fresh flavor and aroma to this glaze. 

How to Make a Danish with Puff Pastry

[Step 1] Remove the puff pastry sheets from the freezer or refrigerator and allow it to warm to room temperature. Unroll the dough, leaving it on the parchment paper it came wrapped in or roll it out on a lightly floured surface.

[Step 2] Cut each package of danish pastry dough into 6 or 8 rectangles and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Use a pairing knife to score a smaller rectangle inside each dough rectangle, being careful to not cut all the way through the dough.

[Step 3] Add 1-2 tablespoons of cheesecake filling to the center of each pastry rectangle, followed by 1-2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce or jam.

[Step 4] Whisk the egg and water together and use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash around the edge of each rectangle on the exposed pastry dough.

[Step 5] Bake the pastries at 400 degrees for 14-16 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.

[Step 6] For the Orange Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth or combine with an electric mixer. Carefully stir in the orange zest then drizzle the glaze over each flaky pastry.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Pizza Cutter
• Pairing Knife
• Baking Tray
• Parchment Paper Sheets
• Pastry Brush
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk

How to Store Leftover Cranberry Pastries 

Store any leftover Danish puff pastry in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through. 

Baking Tips for Making the Perfect Cream Cheese Danish

• Make sure to thaw the puff pastry dough completely before working with it, as it will be easier to unfold and shape.
• When scoring the smaller rectangle inside each pastry, make sure not to cut all the way through the dough, as you want it to create a well for the filling.
• Use a pizza cutter or pairing knife to easily cut the puff pastry into rectangles. 
• Be careful not to overfill the pastries with too much filling, as it may cause them to burst open while baking.
• Make sure to brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash before baking, as this will help create a golden brown crust on the outside.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Recipe Variations

• Swap out the cranberry sauce for raspberry, blueberry, or lemon curd. 
• Use pie filling like apple, strawberry, or cherry in place of the cranberry sauce.
• Add fresh fruit liked diced strawberries or peaches.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture. 
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Use Nutella and strawberries for a chocolate twist.

Final Thoughts

The possibilities are endless with this versatile and flaky Puff Pastry Danish recipe. Serve this sweet pastry for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert option at your next gathering – they’re sure to be a hit! 

There’s something so satisfying about biting into a warm breakfast pastry filled with creamy and tangy flavors. These Puff Pastry Cream Cheese Danishes are the perfect way to enjoy a sweet and flaky treat without all the hassle of making pastry dough from scratch. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dessert or breakfast option in no time. 

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