The Best Copycat Starbucks Cheese Danish Recipe

There’s nothing quite like starting your morning with a warm, flaky cheese danish - especially when it tastes just like the one from Starbucks. This easy-to-make recipe brings the same rich, creamy filling and buttery pastry right to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, these homemade Starbucks cheese danishes are sure to become a favorite.

My Take on Starbucks Cheese Danishes

The first time I made these cheese danishes, I was amazed at how simple the process was. I’ve always loved picking up a cheese danish from Starbucks as a treat, but being able to make them at home has been a game-changer.

The combination of the flaky puff pastry with the sweet, creamy filling is just as satisfying, and the best part is you can enjoy it fresh out of the oven.

What I love most about this recipe though is its simplicity. Just a few ingredients are all you need to make it...not to mention, minimal prep time. Seriously, in basically no time at all you can have yourself a delicious pastry that rivals anything you’d buy at a coffee shop.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Starbucks-style cheese danishes:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 4oz cream cheese 
• 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk

How to Make Starbucks Cheese Danish

Following just 5 simple steps is all that's standing between you and some delicious homemade cheese danishes.

Step One: Prepare the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the puff pastry flat on a surface and cut it into 6 equal rectangles. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step Two: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Transfer this mixture to a piping bag, cutting the tip about 2 centimeters wide.

Step Three: Fill the Pastries

Pipe a line of cream cheese filling down the center of each puff pastry square, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.

Step Four: Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the edges of each puff pastry with the egg wash.

Step Five: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy!

FAQs About This Starbucks Cheese Danish Recipe

Can I use a different filling?

Yes! While the classic cream cheese filling is delicious, you can experiment with adding fruit preserves, chocolate, or even a cinnamon-sugar mixture to the filling.

Can I use puff pastry from scratch instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use homemade puff pastry if you prefer, but keep in mind that store-bought puff pastry saves time and still gives you flaky, delicious results. If you choose to make puff pastry from scratch, it will add more prep time to the recipe.

Can I make these cheese danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the danishes ahead of time. Simply assemble the danishes, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake them straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze cheese danishes?

Yes, baked cheese danishes freeze well. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

What can I use as a filling substitute if I’m out of cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, ricotta or mascarpone cheese are great alternatives for the filling. Both cheeses will give you a smooth, creamy texture similar to cream cheese.

Can I add fruit to the cheese danish?

Absolutely! You can top the cream cheese filling with fruit like fresh berries, sliced peaches, or apple slices before baking for a fruity twist. You can also use jam or preserves for added sweetness.

How to Store Cheese Danish

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. To keep them fresh, reheat them in a low oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes before serving.

My Expert Tips for Making the Perfect Cheese Danish

1. Use Cold Puff Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. This ensures that it puffs up nicely in the oven, giving you those perfect, flaky layers.
2. Cream Cheese Temp: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
3. Don’t Overfill: When piping the cream cheese filling, be careful not to overfill the pastry. Leave enough space around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out during baking.
4. Egg Wash for Shine: The egg wash not only helps give the danishes a beautiful golden color but also adds a bit of shine, making them look bakery-fresh.
5. Serve Warm: These cheese danishes are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. If you’re making them ahead, you can reheat them in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.

My Final Thoughts

Making these Starbucks-style cheese danishes at home is a simple and rewarding process.

The result is a delicious, flaky pastry with a creamy filling that’s perfect for any time of day.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do—don’t forget to let me know how they turn out in the comments below!

More Starbucks Recipes To Try Next

• Starbucks potato cheddar and chive bakes
• Starbucks egg bites
• Starbucks grilled cheese
• Starbucks banana bread