Flaky Berry Pastries (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Strawberries

01 - 4 cups sliced strawberries
02 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
03 - 1 tablespoon sugar

→ For the Cream Cheese Filling

04 - 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
05 - 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For the Danish Pastry

07 - 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
08 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 teaspoon water
09 - 2-3 tablespoons sugar for topping (optional)

→ For the Toppings

10 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) strawberry jam (optional)
11 - 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) milk

# Instructions:

01 - Thaw puff pastry at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch, ensuring all berries are well coated. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
03 - In another bowl, mix room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Adjust flavor as needed.
04 - Unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Cut along the folded lines, then cut each long rectangle in half to create six smaller rectangles. Score a border about 1/4 inch from the edges (don't cut all the way through).
05 - Spread 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each pastry, staying inside the border. Arrange strawberries on top. Brush edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
06 - If the pastry feels warm or sticky, chill the prepared danishes in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help them puff up better during baking.
07 - Bake for 20-25 minutes until pastries are light golden brown. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
08 - Top with warm strawberry jam or dust with powdered sugar. For a vanilla glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over cooled danishes.

# Notes:

01 - Store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
02 - These danishes are fine at room temperature for 2-3 hours after baking.
03 - For best flavor, warm refrigerated danishes in a toaster oven before serving.
04 - See the original blog post for variations like strawberry danish without cream cheese or braided strawberry danish.

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