Start your day with these heavenly Twisted Cheese Danishes, a perfect blend of soft, airy dough and creamy cheese filling, lightly kissed with the zest of lemon for that extra zing. This recipe yields about 12 pieces, each looking as divine as they taste. Ideal for those mornings when the craving for something yeast-based strikes, these danishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and add a touch of indulgence to your breakfast or brunch table.
Why You'll Love This: What sets these danishes apart is their irresistible combination of textures and flavors - the softness of the dough, the richness of the cheese, and the subtle hint of citrus make for a truly delightful eating experience. The process of twisting the dough not only adds an elegant visual appeal but also ensures that every bite is infused with the perfect amount of filling. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these danishes are a guaranteed hit.
Perfect Occasion: These Twisted Cheese Danishes are perfect for leisurely weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or as a special treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or tea. They're also great for sharing with neighbors or friends, adding a homemade touch to any occasion.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful finish, drizzle the danishes with a simple lemon icing once they've cooled. This not only adds to their visual appeal but also enhances their flavor. If you're feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar can make these pastries even more irresistible. Serve them on a pretty platter to truly impress your guests or family members.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 100 ml of warm milk
- 20g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons of flour + 300g flour (preferably high-quality wheat flour, type 550 or 500)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (1 for the yeast mixture, 2 for the dough)
- 2 eggs
- 50g melted and cooled butter
- 300-400g cheese (fresh, not cheese-like products)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Milk for brushing
Instructions:
- Dissolve the yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cover and let it activate for about 10 minutes in a warm place.
- In a mixer bowl, combine 300g of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 eggs, and the melted butter. Add the activated yeast mixture and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread evenly with the cheese mixture (combine cheese, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 egg).
- Fold the dough in three parts over itself and cut into 3cm wide strips. Twist each strip and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with milk and let rest for about 20 minutes.
- Bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Enjoy these Twisted Cheese Danishes, a delightful and easy-to-make pastry that combines the joy of baking with the pleasure of a sweet, cheesy treat, perfect for any morning or brunch occasion.