A Danish Pastry more commonly called as "Danish" especially in parts of America, is a multi-layered crusty pastry which was first famous in Denmark. Danish pastry is also commonly known as breakfast pasty that you could fill with a medley of fruits and sweet fillings and could be made into various shapes.
Danish is also compared alongside with croissants and other puff pastry for its flaky, buttery rich flavor made from laminated dough but unlike puff pastry, Danish pastry has yeast which make it more tender and gives is more layers.
Dough: Filling:
1. 2 cups of unsalted butter, 1. 1 1/4 cup fruit preserves of choice
room temperature - you can use strawberry, peach blueberry or
2. 8 2/3 cup All Purpose Flour you can even opt in other fruits that you like
3. 4 1/2 tsp yeast
4. 2 1/2 cups milk
5. 1/2 cup sweetener or sugar
6. 2 tsp salt
7. 3 large eggs
8. 1 tsp vanilla extract
1. In a medium bowl, cream butter and 2/3 cup flour until combined. Divide this into 2 equal parts, then roll each half between 2 pieces waxed paper into a 6x12-inch sheet. Chill sheets in the refrigerator.
2. In a separate mixing bowl. mix 3 cups of flour with yeast and set aside.
3. Get a small saucepan and stir together milk, sugar and salt and place it over medium heat. Heat the mixture until warm.
4. Pour your milk mixture over your flour mixture and add 2 eggs and vanilla extract. Stir for about 3 minutes and knead in the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until dough becomes firm.
5. Cover your dough and let it rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes to one hour.
6. Cut your dough in half and roll each half into about 14 inch square. Place 1 sheet cold butter over each dough square off to one side, then fold dough over and pinch the edges together.
7. Roll again each piece to a rectangle about 20X12 inches in size.
8. Fold again each dough into thirds. Repeat rolling and folding one more time then wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
9. Repeat folding process twice and again wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
10. Roll out the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut dough into squares.
1. Get your fruit filling of choice like peach, blueberry or strawberry preserves and place a dollop in the center.
2. Fold 2 opposite corners of the dough to the center to form a diamond shape.
3. Place Danishes in an ungreased baking sheet and allow it to rise at room temperature until doubled in size.
4. While the Danishes are resting, preheat your over to about 450 degrees F.
5. After the Danishes has risen, get one egg and separate the egg whites.
6. Beat the egg whites and brush it over your pastry.
7. Bake you Danishes in the preheated oven, for about 8 to 12 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown in color.