Copycat Costco Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 egg, separated
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (17.3-ounce) box puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 3 tablespoons apricot jam or jelly
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. 2

   To make the filling, place the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla in a large bowl.

3. 3

   Whisk to combine the filling and set it aside.

4. 4

   Roll the puff pastry sheets into a 12x12-inch square.

5. 5

   Cut each sheet into 6 squares (for 12 total squares). Trim the puff pastry, if necessary, to get the squares as uniform as possible.

6. 6

   Transfer the squares to the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

7. 7

   Beat the raw egg whites until frothy and brush the edges of the puff pastry squares.

8. 8

   Fold the corners of the pastry squares toward the center and gently press to adhere.

9. 9

   Using a small scoop or a tablespoon measure, dollop the center of each pastry with filling.

10. 10

    Brush any exposed pastry with the remaining egg whites.

11. 11

    Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, rotating the cookie sheets halfway through, until golden brown.

12. 12

    Remove the pastries from the oven and set the baking sheets aside on wire racks to cool.

13. 13

    Place the apricot jelly and hot water in a small bowl and whisk until slightly runny.

14. 14

    While the danishes are still relatively warm, lightly brush them with the apricot glaze. Set them aside to cool completely.

15. 15

    Once the pastries have cooled, place the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl.

16. 16

    Whisk to combine the icing and thin it, if necessary, with additional milk.

17. 17

    Drizzle the Danishes with icing before serving.