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There’s something inherently comforting about homemade pastries that brings a sense of joy to any kitchen. The aroma of fresh dough baking in the oven, combined with the sweet scent of cinnamon and apples, can turn an ordinary morning into a special occasion. Among the many delightful options available, one treat stands out for its perfect blend of flavors and textures: the Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Danish. This delectable pastry is not just a breakfast option; it can also serve as a wonderful dessert or a sweet snack throughout the day.

Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Danish

Experience the joy of baking with homemade Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Danish! This delightful pastry features a perfect blend of flaky dough, creamy filling, and a warm apple-cinnamon mixture that creates irresistible flavors and textures. Learn the art of crafting this delicious treat from scratch, including tips on making the dough, preparing the fillings, and shaping your Danish. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, this recipe will elevate your baking skills and delight your taste buds.
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Ingredients
  

For the Danish Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1/2 cup whole milk, warmed

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, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Topping:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

    In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, sugar, and egg, mixing well. Gradually add flour and salt to form a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

      Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

        In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.

          Prepare the Apple Filling:

            In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

              Shape the Danish:

                Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the risen dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12x15 inches). Cut the rectangle into smaller squares (about 5x5 inches).

                  Fill the Danishes:

                    For each square, place a spoonful of cream cheese filling in the center, followed by a spoonful of the apple mixture. Fold the corners of the square up toward the center, pinching to seal. Repeat for all squares.

                      Brush and Bake:

                        Place the danishes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

                          Cool and Serve:

                            Allow the danishes to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful blend of apple, cinnamon, and creamy goodness!

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 12 servings