Cheese Danish (Starbucks Copycat)

This Cheese Danish gives Starbucks a run for its money, and I will proudly say it. Flaky pastry, creamy filling, zero hassle, and the kind of bakery energy that makes you feel like you have your life together even if you absolutely do not. Make one and watch everyone assume you woke up at five to bake when you really just let the oven do the heavy lifting.

If you love this Cream Cheese Danish and want more cozy treats, you have plenty to choose from on the blog. Try my Gingerbread Simple Syrup or the Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai (Copycat Starbucks) if you want something sweet to sip alongside your pastry. Make a warm mug of Mexican Hot Chocolate or Protein Hot Chocolate for a richer morning drink. And if you want to keep the festive energy going, my Grinch Matcha is another fun option to pair with your fresh Danish.

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Two sheet pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl

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Ingredients

• Frozen puff pastry – 2 sheets
• Cream cheese – 8 oz.
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Large egg

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
Cut each puff pastry sheet in half, then divide each half into three pieces to form six rectangles per sheet. Arrange the puff pastry rectangles on the sheet pans. Use a fork to poke the centers of each rectangle three times.

In the bowl of your mixer, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt. Mix on medium speed until smooth and well blended. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

How do you serve this?

• These treats are perfect for grabbing on the go, but they also pair well with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite latte. 

FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)

What are substitutions that I can make?

• Frozen puff pastry – Homemade puff pastry is an option.
• Full-fat cream cheese holds up better during baking. 
• Vanilla extract – Vanilla bean paste used at half the usual amount will also work.
• Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice is preferred, but bottled can be used if necessary. 

How should I store my leftovers?

• Cheese Danish should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If you like them warm, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds or place them in the air fryer at 345°F for 2 minutes. They can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. When layering, place wax paper or parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.

Cheese Danish

This Cheese Danish tastes just like the one from Starbucks, only fresher, softer, and way more satisfying. It has flaky pastry, a sweet, creamy filling, and that cozy bakery vibe without leaving the house. It is the kind of breakfast treat that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, which is exactly the kind of chaos I support.

Servings: 12 Danishes

Author: Stephanie

Print Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cook Time:15 minutes mins

Total Time:30 minutes mins

Equipment

• 2 Sheet pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixer and bowl
• Spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry thawed
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• 1 large egg beaten

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
• Cut each puff pastry sheet in half, then divide each half into three pieces to form six rectangles per sheet. Arrange the puff pastry rectangles on the sheet pans. Use a fork to poke the centers of each rectangle three times.
• In the bowl of your mixer, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt. Mix on medium speed until smooth and well blended. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Notes

Why are you poking only the center of the puff pastry with the fork?
Poking holes in the center keeps that part of the pastry from rising. This helps the filling stay in place instead of spilling over the edges while it bakes.

Can I add nuts to the top?
Yes. Sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or pistachios all work well. Sprinkle them on before baking or add them after if you want more texture.

Can I make these in different flavors other than the cream cheese?
Yes. You can use blueberry, blackberry, apple, or almost any fruit filling you like. They bake the same way.

Can you add toppings to the Cheese Danishes?
Yes. Nuts are an option, and you can also use jams, honey, or a simple icing glaze if you want extra sweetness.