Save to Pinterest A tender buttery pastry filled with creamy coffee-flavored cheese and topped with a sweet crunchy crumb—perfect for breakfast or a special treat.
I first made this danish on a chilly Sunday morning when I wanted something a bit more special for brunch. The aroma of coffee and cinnamon throughout the house became an instant comfort, and now it is a regular treat for family breakfasts.
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast, 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C), 1 large egg (room temperature), 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter (softened)
- Coffee Cream Cheese Filling: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened), 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar, 1 egg yolk, 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee (cooled), 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Crumb Topping: 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- Glaze (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk or coffee
Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
- In a small bowl combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine:
- In a large bowl mix flour sugar and salt. Add yeast mixture egg and butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and rise:
- Knead dough on a floured surface for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make filling:
- In a bowl beat cream cheese sugar egg yolk coffee and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare crumb topping:
- Mix flour brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add cold butter and rub between fingers until crumbs form.
- Prep baking sheet:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape and fill dough:
- Punch down risen dough and divide into 8 pieces. Shape each into a ball then flatten to 4-inch (10 cm) rounds. Place on baking sheet. Make an indentation in each round then spoon coffee cream cheese filling in the center.
- Add crumb topping:
- Sprinkle crumb topping over the filling and exposed dough.
- Bake:
- Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes.
- Glaze (optional):
- Whisk powdered sugar with milk or coffee until smooth and drizzle over cooled danishes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save to Pinterest Sharing these danishes on weekend mornings quickly turned into a cherished family tradition. Warm pastries and fresh coffee mean laughter around the breakfast table.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls electric mixer or whisk baking sheet parchment paper measuring cups and spoons small saucepan (for glaze optional)
Nutritional Information
Each danish has 340 calories 17 g total fat 40 g carbohydrates and 7 g protein
Notes
Use espresso instead of coffee for a stronger taste prepare dough a day in advance for convenience add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a mocha twist
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this danish fresh from the oven or store covered for up to two days. It pairs perfectly with morning coffee for a cozy start to your day.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast and add it directly to the flour mixture without proofing in milk.
- → How can I intensify the coffee flavor?
For a stronger taste, use espresso in the filling and glaze instead of brewed coffee.
- → Is it possible to prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Refrigerate the dough overnight and bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- → What can I use if I don't have light brown sugar?
You may replace light brown sugar with granulated white sugar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- → Are there any vegan alternatives for this Danish?
Substitute plant-based butter, cream cheese, and use flaxseed or aquafaba for the egg to make it vegan-friendly.
- → Can I freeze the Danish for later?
Yes, freeze baked and cooled Danish in airtight containers. Reheat before serving for best texture.