First Step: PREPARE THE PUFF PASTRY

1. Thaw the Puff Pastry: If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll want to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before working with it. If you’re using homemade puff pastry, ensure it’s rolled out and ready to go.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the puff pastry into a square or rectangle, about 12×12 inches. If the dough is sticky, dust it with a little more flour to keep it manageable.
3. Cut into Squares: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 8-10 equal squares. These will form the base of your Cheese Danishes.

Second Step: MAKE THE CHEESE FILLING

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer or a whisk. You want the cream cheese to be soft and creamy, so it blends easily with the other ingredients.
2. Add the Sugar and Flavorings: Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk. Beat until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. If you’re using lemon juice or sour cream, add them now and stir until combined.
3. Chill the Filling: To make it easier to handle, place the cheese filling in the fridge while you work on assembling the danishes. This will help it firm up slightly.

Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE DANISHES

1. Prepare the Pastry Squares: Place the puff pastry squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should have enough room to space them apart slightly so they can puff up during baking.
2. Add the Cheese Filling: Using a spoon, add a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each pastry square. Be sure not to overfill, as the cheese will spread during baking.
3. Form the Danish Shape: Carefully fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, creating a small pocket. Gently pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside. You can leave the center open for a more rustic look or fold the corners in for a neater, more traditional Danish shape.
4. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and use a pastry brush to lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash. This will give the Cheese Danishes a beautiful golden-brown color once baked.

Fourth Step: BAKE THE DANISHES

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking puff pastry to achieve the perfect balance of crispness and flakiness.
2. Bake the Danishes: Place the prepared Cheese Danishes in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to ensure they don’t over-brown.
3. Cool the Danishes: Once the danishes are golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time will help the filling firm up and make them easier to handle.

Final Step: GLAZE AND SERVE

1. Prepare the Glaze: While the danishes are cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency—add more for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker one.
2. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the danishes are cool enough to handle, drizzle the glaze over the top of each one. You can use a spoon to drizzle it in a zig-zag pattern or place the glaze in a small piping bag for more control.
3. Add Toppings: If desired, top the danishes with fresh berries, almond slices, or a spoonful of jam. These add a burst of flavor and color, making the danishes even more visually appealing.
4. Serve: Serve your Cheese Danishes while they’re still slightly warm for the best flavor and texture. They’re perfect with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of fresh juice.