Cherry Cream Cheese Danish (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Pastry

01 - 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

→ Cream Cheese Filling

02 - 226 grams cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 0.5 teaspoon almond extract

→ Cherry Topping

06 - 1 can (about 540 grams) cherry pie filling

→ Egg Wash

07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 tablespoon water

→ Glaze

09 - 60 grams powdered sugar
10 - 10–15 millilitres milk
11 - 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
02 - Lightly flour the work surface and unfold the puff pastry sheets. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each sheet into six equal rectangles. Arrange rectangles on prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2.5 cm between each.
03 - Poke several holes in the center of each pastry rectangle with a fork, leaving a 1.25 cm border around the edges.
04 - In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
05 - Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry, within the undocked border. Spoon 2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Lightly brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash.
07 - Bake for 15 minutes or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even browning.
08 - Transfer pastries to a wire rack and cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
09 - Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a drizzle-able glaze.
10 - Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm pastries using a spoon or piping bag. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Ensure puff pastry remains cold while working to achieve optimal flakiness.