Cranberry Almond Danishes Recipe

INGREDIENTS

For the Cranberry Almond Danishes:

• 2 sheets all-butter puff pastry, defrosted
• 12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1 ¼ cups cranberry sauce or jam, homemade or store bought
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water, for egg wash
• ¾ cup sliced almonds, toasted

For the Almond Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Prep the Puff Pastry:

1. Gently unfold and roll out your sheet of puff pastry just to flatten and smooth it. Cut it into two rectangles, about 10 inches by 5 inches.
2. Gently score around the edge of each rectangle, about 3/4" in from the edges. This will create a frame of pastry that will rise around the filling as it bakes.
3. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.
4. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and back in the fridge while you prep the other ingredients.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. Combine the cream cheese, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and almond extract in a mixing bowl.
2. Use a hand mixer to beat until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag or a sturdy Ziplock bag.

Assemble the Danishes:

1. Cut the tip off the piping bag or the corner off the Ziplock and pipe the cream cheese evenly between the four pieces of puff pastry inside the scored rectangle.
2. Top with the cranberry sauce and brush the edges of the puff pastry with egg wash.
3. Sprinkle the puff pastry edges with a bit of sugar.

Bake:

1. Bake for 20 minutes, until the pastry is golden.
2. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. Drizzle with the almond glaze and top with toasted almonds.
4. Serve, and enjoy!