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This Starbucks Cheese Danish Recipe tastes just like the one from your favorite coffee shop, with buttery puff pastry and a sweet, creamy cheese center. It’s quick, simple, and made with just a few ingredients you probably already have on hand. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy coffee break at home!

Since you’re here, make sure to check out: Starbucks iced matcha latte, sweet cream cold foam cold brew, salted cream cold brew, blueberry cheese danish recipe, cranberry sauce cheese danish, and this Starbucks blueberry scone recipe.

Starbucks cheese danish

Why this Starbucks cheese danish recipe is the best

There’s something magical about a golden brown, crunchy, flaky, and creamy pastry alongside a cup of coffee. Lightly sweetened, buttery, and fluffy. These danishes bring the coffee shop experience to your kitchen.

We’re using store-bought puff pastry sheets, too, to make this recipe simple and accessible. But you can make your own homemade puff pastry if you want a fun weekend baking project. Either way, the creamy cheese filling and vanilla flavor tie everything together so perfectly!

Why you need to make this recipe!

  • Quick and Easy: You only need a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of prep.
  • Coffee Shop Quality: This Starbucks cheese danish tastes even better fresh from your oven.
  • Budget Friendly: Skip the $5 pastry and make a full batch for less than the price of one!
  • Perfect for Brunch: Flakey, buttery, and lightly sweet, a crowd favorite for any breakfast spread.

Let’s Chit Chat!

I still remember the first time I tried Starbucks’ cheese danish; it was buttery, warm, and just the right amount of sweet. But once I realized how simple it was to make at home, I started baking them every weekend. I’ve tested a bunch of versions, and this one nails that flaky puff pastry and creamy cheese center combo perfectly.

Pro Tip: I like to sneak one into the toaster oven while I make my morning coffee. It tastes just like Starbucks but costs way less (and makes your kitchen smell amazing in the process!)

Ingredients on a cutting board

Ingredients for Starbucks Cheese Danish (copycat recipe)

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this simple recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.

  • Puff pastry dough- Frozen sheets work best for maximum flakiness.
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cream cheese- Classic, creamy filling (works just like Starbucks)
  • Vanilla extract Use high-quality for the best flavor.
  • Egg- for egg wash to achieve golden brown egdes.

Add-ins

  • Chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
  • Lemon zest or lemon extract for a suble tart flavor.
Starbucks cheese danish sliced in half

How to make Starbucks Cheese Danish at home

This is how you can make these Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!

  1. In a medium bowl, cream the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together on low speed until smooth.
  2. On a parchment paper lined cookie sheet slice the sheet of puff pastry into 8 rectangles using a knife of a pizza cutter.
  3. In a medium bowl, cream the cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Fill a piping bag with the cream cheese mixture and cut the tip off about 2 centimeters in. Pipe a line in the center of each puff pastry rectangle, making sure to leave about half an inch on each side. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water.
  1. Brush the edges with the egg wash and bake in the preheated oven.
  2. Serve as is or top with your favorite fruits for a fancier finish.

You can mix this with a whisk, a hand mixer, or even a stand mixer.

Expert Tips for Perfect Starbucks Cheese Danish

  • Always start with cold puff pasty, it puffs up better in the oven.
  • If making your own puff pastry, follow detailed guides like The Kitchn’s puff pastry tutorial for professional tips.
  • Make sure to not overfill the edges of the puff pastry so you don’t end up with a runny mess once they come out of the oven.
  • Brush the pastry edges with egg wash before baking for that golden Starbucks shine.
  • For bakery-style flavor, try a touch of lemon zest in the filling or top with sliced fruit before baking for a fun twist.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How to store Starbucks cheese danish?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to bring back that flaky texture.

Can I freeze my Starbucks Cheese Danish copycat?

Yes! Freeze them baked or unbaked for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated oven until warm and crisp, or allow them to thaw slightly in the fridge before baking them in the oven for a fresh-tasting treat.

What cheese does Starbucks use in their danish?

Starbucks uses Neufchâtel cheese, which is similar to cream cheese but slightly tangier and lighter. Using regular cream cheese gives you nearly identical flavor and texture at home.

Cheese danish on cooling rack

Definitely! Homemade puff pastry will give even more layers and a buttery flavor. Just make sure it’s rolled evenly for consistent baking.

What are some creative flavor variations for this puff pastry cheese danish recipe?

  • Add cinnamon and sugar to the cream cheese filling for a cinnamon danish.
  • Mix berries into the cheese for a fruity twist.
  • Add chocolate chips or Nutella swirls for a chocolate cheese danish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can try using gluten-free puff pastry, but note that it may not puff as much as traditional pastry.

Starbucks cheese danish
5 from 48 votes

Starbucks cheese danish copycat recipe

These easy Starbucks cheese danish copycat recipes are simple and are made with only a handful of ingredients.
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
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Ingredients  

  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 2 & 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Egg wash

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 400F, then line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • On a flat surface spread the puff pastry and cut it into 6 equally sized squares or rectangles depending on the shape of your puff pastry. Place on the baking sheet.
    1 sheet puff pastry
  • In a medium bowl, cream the cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Fill a piping bag with the cream cheese and cut the tip off about 2 centimeters in. Pipe a line in the center of each puff pastry rectangle making sure to leave about half an inch on each side.
    4 oz cream cheese, 2 & 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp salt
    Starbucks cheese danish recipe
  • In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water to make the egg wash. Dip a pastry brush in the egg wash, and brush the edges of the puff pastry.
    1 egg, 1 tbsp water
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes before pulling them out and letting them cool down on a cooling rack

Nutrition

Calories: 366Calories | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 219mg | Potassium: 107mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Chahinez Tabet Aoul

Chahinez Tabet Aoul is the recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind Lifestyle of a Foodie and Simple Copycat Recipes. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chahinez is known for creating approachable, high-reward recipes that feel like they came straight from your favorite restaurant. Only easier, more fun, and made right a thome!

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5 from 48 votes (36 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




34 Comments

  1. Mattie says:

    After the Danishes have baked can you drizzle a glaze over them?

    1. Chahinez says:

      Yes you can!

  2. Mary Rogers says:

    What brand puff pastry did you use?

    1. Chahinez says:

      I used the Pepperidge Farm puff pastry, but any brand can be used.

  3. Emilia says:

    Love these! Although the filling only made 3 Danishes for me as well, given how much cream cheese is on the Danishes shown in the picture!

    1. Chahinez says:

      Thank you for trying out the recipe!

  4. Becky Corona says:

    I made this recipe and it only made 3 for me without doubling it. So I would recommend doubling it to get the same amount of filling as she did in her video

    1. Chahinez says:

      I tried it with double the amount of filling but unfortunately it leaks everywhere. You can do that if you would like but you might have a little leakage.

  5. Monet Dufala says:

    5 stars
    Sooo good !!

    1. Chahinez says:

      That’s awesome to hear!

  6. Jay says:

    5 stars
    So quick and easy and really good!!

    1. Chahinez says:

      I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!!

      1. Amber says:

        5 stars
        very good! made on multiple occasions! on the last few times I’ve just used egg yolks and 1/2 tablespoon of water and it actually made a huge difference, a good difference!

      2. Chahinez says:

        That’s awesome!

  7. anty says:

    5 stars
    super easy to make! i found the 1/3 less fat cream cheese to actually be the cheese starbucks uses (it says on fine print in the package) lol! will def be making again

    1. Chahinez says:

      Glad you enjoyed the recipe 😊

  8. Sha says:

    5 stars
    Easy love it 🥰

    1. Chahinez says:

      Thank you 😊

  9. Megan says:

    5 stars
    Loved how simple these were to make but tasted so good!

  10. JJ says:

    5 stars
    Just like Starbys! Not too sweet. And I can’t even tell you how quick and easy these were. Be careful not to overfill the pastry with the delicious filling. I had one that ooozed over the edge. Oops!

    1. Chahinez says:

      I’m happy you enjoyed the recipe!

      1. Chrystalle says:

        5 stars
        OMG….I just made these & they came out AMAZING! I’ve been following you on IG for sometime & the way you recreate things is just amazing. Can’t wait to continue to try more of your recipes.

      2. Chahinez says:

        Thank you for the kind words! 😊