Best Authentic Homemade Danish Pastry
Crispy, buttery, flaky, and filled with cream or fruit, Danish pastries are a delight to both the eyes and the taste buds. These pastries, which originated in Denmark (hence the name), are a wonderful amalgamation of puff pastry and sweet bread. Indulge in the divine blend of light pastry dough with its buttery layers and the delectable fillings to make your morning breakfast or tea-time splendid.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1⁄2 Cup warm water
- 1⁄2 Cup lukewarm milk
- 1⁄4 Cup white sugar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 Cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
For the Butter Layers:
- 1 Cup unsalted butter, cold
For the Filling:
- 1 Cup fruit preserves or custard
For the Decoration:
- 1⁄4 Cup icing sugar
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Directions
Dissolve yeast in the warm water using a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets frothy.
In a large bowl, mix together the milk, sugar, salt, softened butter, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Gradually add 2 cups of flour to the liquid yeast mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-10 minutes.
Roll out the dough to a 1/2 inch thick rectangle, spread 1/3 of the cold butter on 2/3 of the dough. Fold the dough as you would fold a letter. Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about an hour.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll out the dough again and cut it into squares. Add a spoonful of your filling of choice in the middle of each square. Fold the corners to the center over the filling and press to seal.
Place the pastries on a pre-greased baking sheet, cover with a tea towel, and let rest for 15 minutes.
Bake pastries in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and while still warm, dust with icing sugar.