Danish Berry Cream Cheese Pastries

Flaky golden puff pastry filled with sweet cream cheese and mixed berries, finished with a snowy vanilla icing drizzle. These festive little pastries are perfect for Christmas morning, cozy winter brunches, or an easy but impressive holiday dessert.

Yield

8 pastries

Ingredients

For the Berry Filling:

1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

For the Vanilla Drizzle:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Berry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and cornstarch.
Cook over medium heat 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until berries soften and mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and cool completely — this prevents soggy pastry.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into 8 equal rectangles.
Place pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Fill the Pastries

Spread a small spoonful of cream cheese mixture in the center of each rectangle.
Top with about a tablespoon of berry filling.
Fold the pastry in half (like a turnover) or leave open-face — both work beautifully.
Seal edges lightly with your fingers or a fork if folding closed.
Score 2–3 small slits on top if the pastries are sealed to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Brush + Bake

Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water to create an egg wash.
Brush lightly over each pastry for a golden finish.
Bake 15–18 minutes, or until puffed, crisp, and deeply golden.

Step 6: Add the Vanilla Drizzle

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle generously over warm pastries using a spoon or piping bag.

Kitchen Tips

• Make berry filling the night before to save time on busy mornings.
• Frozen berries work perfectly — no need to thaw.
• Add lemon zest for a bright, festive flavor boost.
• Pastries reheat beautifully in the oven at 350°F for 5–6 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Pastry)

Calories 260, Protein 3g, Carbohydrates 32g, Fiber 1g, Net Carbohydrates 31g, Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 6g, Cholesterol 25mg, Sodium 140mg, Sugars 14g