Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly flour a clean work surface. Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. If it’s a bit sticky, you can lightly dust it with flour.1 sheet frozen puff pastry
- Roll the puff pastry out slightly into a rectangle, about 10x12 inches. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, trim the edges to create a neat rectangle. Then, cut the rectangle into two equal pieces, so you have two 5x12 inch rectangles.1 sheet frozen puff pastry
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.4 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate small bowl, stir the strawberry jam or preserves to loosen it up. If using chunky preserves, you might want to mash the larger pieces with a fork.1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- Take one rectangle of puff pastry. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over one half of the pastry rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Then, spread half of the strawberry jam mixture over the cream cheese layer, again leaving a border.1 sheet frozen puff pastry, 4 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- Fold the other half of the puff pastry rectangle over the filling, like closing a book. Gently press the edges together with your fingers or the tines of a fork to seal them well. Repeat this process with the second puff pastry rectangle.1 sheet frozen puff pastry
- Now, it’s time to create those charming heart shapes! Place the sealed pastry rectangle on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make a slit in the center of the folded edge, about 2 inches long. Then, make two diagonal cuts from the ends of that center slit outwards towards the corners, creating a heart shape when unfolded. You should have two heart-shaped pastries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk or water to create an egg wash. Gently brush the tops and sides of each heart Danish with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown sheen when baked.1 large egg, 1 tablespoon milk or water
- For cleaner cuts and better puff, you can place the shaped danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the puff pastry firm up.1 sheet frozen puff pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chilled danishes (still on the parchment-lined baking sheet) into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed, golden brown, and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked, carefully remove the danishes from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further.
- Once slightly cooled, dust the Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes with powdered sugar, if desired. You can also garnish with fresh sliced strawberries for an extra burst of color and flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature.powdered sugar, fresh strawberries
Notes
To store leftover danishes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving.
