Danish Pastries Recipe
Danish · Dessert · 65 min total
Flaky, buttery pastries filled with sweet almond paste and topped with icing, perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
45
min prep
min prep
20
min cook
min cook
12
servings
servings
320
kcal/serving
kcal/serving
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/2 cup milk, lukewarm
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup almond paste
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; let stand 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine milk, sugar, egg, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Add 2 cups flour and salt; mix until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic; refrigerate 30 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12x8-inch rectangle. Arrange butter cubes over bottom two-thirds of dough. Fold top third over middle, then bottom third over top (like a letter). Pinch edges to seal. Wrap; refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Repeat rolling into a 12x8-inch rectangle and folding in thirds. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Repeat rolling and folding once more; refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Roll dough into a 12x12-inch square. Cut into 4x4-inch squares. Place a teaspoon of almond paste in center of each square. Brush edges with egg wash. Fold corners to center, pinching to seal. Place on baking sheets. Let rise 20 minutes.
- Brush pastries with egg wash. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.
- Mix powdered sugar with enough milk to make a thin icing. Drizzle over cooled pastries.
Tips
- Keep dough cold; if butter softens, refrigerate between folds.
- Pastries are best served the same day, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat briefly in a 300°F oven to refresh crispness.
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