Orange Danish

Brighten up your breakfast table or dessert platter with this irresistibly sweet and citrusy Orange Danish recipe! These buttery, flaky pastries are filled with a luscious orange cream cheese filling, made with fresh orange zest, juice, and a hint of vanilla for a burst of tangy flavor in every bite. Topped with a glossy orange glaze, each bite combines the zest of vibrant citrus with the comfort of tender, golden pastry. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these Orange Danish pastries are ideal for special mornings, brunch gatherings, or simply indulging in an afternoon treat. With easy-to-follow steps and gorgeous presentation, this homemade recipe will rival any bakery creation and leave everyone craving seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 0.75 cup whole milk
• 2 pieces large eggs
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 piece egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a small saucepan, warm the butter and milk over low heat until the butter is melted. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm.

Step 3

Add the lukewarm milk mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

While the dough rises, prepare the orange cream cheese filling. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 7

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12x16-inch rectangle.

Step 8

Spread the orange cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.

Step 9

Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, pinching the seam to seal. Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces.

Step 10

Place the slices cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Cover the pastries with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes.

Step 11

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 12

Make the egg wash by whisking together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the pastries.

Step 13

Bake the Danish pastries in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 14

While the pastries cool slightly, make the orange glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.

Step 15

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastries. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1513.1 grams (1513.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4490

Total Fat 152.10g	195%
Saturated Fat 82.60g	413%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.60g
Cholesterol 933mg	311%
Sodium 3368mg	146%
Total Carbohydrate 695.60g	253%
Dietary Fiber 16.20g	58%
Total Sugars 314.80g
Protein 91.80g	184%

Vitamin D 202IU	1007%
Calcium 629mg	48%
Iron 26mg	146%
Potassium 1642mg	35%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.3%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 61.6%