Hello, Lykkers! Danish pastries are a delightful treat that combines flaky layers with sweet fillings.

Making them at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon instant yeast

- 1 cup buttermilk, warmed (about 110°F or 43°C)

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 2 large eggs

For the Butter Layer:

- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, cold

For the Filling (Fruit or Cream Cheese):

- 1 cup fruit preserves (like raspberry, apricot, or cherry) or

- 8 oz cream cheese, softened with

- 1/4 cup powdered sugar and

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Egg Wash:

- 1 large egg

- 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

2. Add the warmed buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until a dough begins to come together

3. Work the dough on a floured surface for around 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth.

4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Layer

1. While the dough is rising, place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to pound it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Chill in the refrigerator until the dough has risen.

Step 3: Laminate the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16x10 inches.

2. Place the chilled butter layer in the center of the dough rectangle. Fold the dough over the butter, sealing the edges.

3. Roll the dough out to a rectangle again, about 20x10 inches. Fold it into thirds (like a letter) and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Repeat the Folding Process

1. Roll out the dough again and fold it into thirds. Repeat this process two more times, chilling for 30 minutes between each fold.

Step 5: Shape the Pastries

1. After the final chill, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles.

3. For fruit filling, place a spoonful in the center of each piece. For cream cheese filling, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla, then place a spoonful in the center.

4. Fold the corners of the dough over the filling to create a pocket or twist the dough for a different shape.

Step 6: Final Rise

1. Cover the pastries with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 7: Bake the Pastries

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash.

3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, and feel free to drizzle with icing or powdered sugar!

Making The Classic Danish Pastry, Spandauer | Recipe and Steps

Video by Arla Pro. Asia