Delicious Homemade Danish Pastry Recipe

Learn how to make flaky and buttery Danish pastry from scratch with this easy recipe. These delicious pastries are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of the day. With a prep time of 30 minutes, let's get started!

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup fruit preserves (such as raspberry or apricot)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
7. Dot the surface evenly with cold cubed butter and fold the dough into thirds like a letter.
8. Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat the rolling and folding process two more times.
9. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
11. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
12. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 3x3-inch squares.
13. Place a teaspoon of fruit preserves in the center of each square and fold the corners towards the center, pressing down gently to seal.
14. Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet and let them rise for 15-20 minutes.
15. Brush the pastries with beaten egg and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
16. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
17. While the pastries are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
18. Once the pastries have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top.
19. Serve warm and enjoy!

Interesting Facts