Description
This Cherry Danish Pastry is a flaky, buttery delight, filled with sweet cherry filling and dusted with powdered sugar. Made with homemade dough, this recipe brings the classic Danish treat to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these pastries are a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
¼ cup ice water
For the Cherry Filling:
1 cup cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
For the Egg Wash:
1 egg (beaten)
1 tablespoon milk
For Dusting:
Powdered sugar
Instructions
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk until well mixed. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Form the Dough: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll and Fold the Dough: After 30 minutes, roll the dough into a rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick). Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. Wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times. After the final fold, refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Make the Cherry Filling (if homemade): In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, ¼ cup sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough out into a rectangle (1/4 inch thick), and cut into 4×4 inch squares or triangles. Make diagonal cuts from each corner towards the center (about 1 inch in).
Assemble the Pastries: Place a spoonful of the cherry filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners over the filling, overlapping them slightly. Brush the top with the beaten egg and milk for a golden finish.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
“For a richer flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the cherry filling.”
“These pastries can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.”
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus refrigeration)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American