Starbucks Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
Introduction
This Starbucks-style Cream Cheese Danish is a delightful treat that combines flaky puff pastry with a smooth, sweet cream cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these danishes are easy to make and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 (8-ounce) box cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to about 9 by 10.5 inches. Cut it into 8 equal rectangles and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a ziplock bag and snip a small corner off the bag to create a piping bag.
- Step 5: Pipe the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle, leaving a small border of pastry exposed around the edges.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Use a pastry brush to carefully brush this egg wash over the exposed edges of the puff pastry to help it turn golden when baked.
- Step 7: Bake the danishes for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture before piping.
- If you prefer a fruit twist, add a small dollop of your favorite jam on top of the cream cheese before baking.
- Use chilled puff pastry to make handling easier and ensure better puff during baking.
Storage
Store any leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes to keep the pastry crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry straight from the freezer?
It’s best to thaw puff pastry according to package instructions before using to ensure even rolling and proper puffing during baking.
How can I make the danish more decorative?
You can fold the corners of each pastry rectangle towards the center after piping the filling or sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for extra sparkle and texture.
Print
Starbucks Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Starbucks Cream Cheese Danish recipe recreates the beloved bakery-style pastry featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth and creamy sweetened cream cheese filling. Perfect for a breakfast treat or afternoon snack, these danishes are easy to prepare using store-bought puff pastry and simple ingredients. They bake up golden and puffy with a luscious vanilla-infused cream cheese center.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 (8-ounce) box cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Roll and Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to approximately 9 by 10.5 inches. Cut the pastry into 8 equal rectangles and arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. Transfer the filling into a ziplock bag and snip off one corner to use as a piping bag.
- Fill Puff Pastry Rectangles: Pipe the cream cheese filling onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle, leaving about a ½-inch border of pastry exposed around the edges to allow puffing.
- Prepare Egg Wash and Brush Pastry Edges: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until combined. Gently brush this egg wash onto the exposed borders of the puff pastry to create a glossy, golden finish when baked.
- Bake the Danishes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the puff pastry has puffed up beautifully and turned a golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the filling for a flavor twist.
- Use chilled puff pastry when baking and keep it refrigerated until just before use for best puffiness.
- If you don’t have a ziplock bag, you can spoon the filling carefully onto the pastry instead.
- Serve fresh as these are best enjoyed the day they are baked to maintain flaky texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Starbucks Cream Cheese Danish recipe, puff pastry danish, cream cheese pastry, easy breakfast danish, vanilla cream cheese filling

