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1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients: Start by combining all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. The sugar adds a hint of sweetness, while salt enhances the overall flavor.

Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Danish

Discover the joy of baking with this delightful Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Danish recipe! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these homemade pastries combine the sweetness of apples, creamy cream cheese, and warming cinnamon into a flaky treat that’s sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide to make the buttery pastry from scratch, sauté the apples for a delicious filling, and create a perfect glaze. Enjoy the warmth of fresh-baked pastries right from your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

For the Danish dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

For the cream cheese filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the apple cinnamon filling:

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the egg wash:

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon milk

For the glaze (optional):

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions
 

Prepare the Danish dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Slowly pour in the warmed milk, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface, until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

    Make the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

      Prepare the apple cinnamon filling: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture is bubbly. Remove from heat and let cool.

        Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down, and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

          Cut the dough: Cut the dough into smaller rectangles (about 4x6 inches). On each rectangle, place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center, followed by a spoonful of the apple cinnamon filling.

            Shape the Danish: Fold the edges of the rectangles over the filling to create a pocket, pinching the seams to seal. You can also create a twist by rolling the dough around the filling before sealing. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

              Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

                Apply the egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the Danish to give them a golden sheen while baking.

                  Bake the Danish: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly on a wire rack.

                    Make the optional glaze: If desired, mix the powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled Danish.

                      Serve: Enjoy your warm Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Danish with a cup of coffee or tea!

                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 8 servings