Cinnamon Danish Recipes:

Cinnamon Danish is a classic pastry known for its light, flaky layers, buttery texture, and rich cinnamon filling. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or with a cup of coffee, this pastry is a favorite among pastry lovers worldwide.

If you’ve ever wanted to make homemade Cinnamon Danish, this guide will walk you through everything—from ingredients and preparation to expert tips and variations. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe will help you create bakery-quality Danish pastries at home.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Danish Recipe

• Flaky & Buttery – Perfectly crisp layers that melt in your mouth.
• Rich Cinnamon Flavor – A sweet and spiced filling that pairs beautifully with the pastry.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
• Customizable – Add nuts, glaze, or fruit to create different variations.

Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Danish

To make Cinnamon Danish from scratch, you’ll need simple ingredients for the dough, filling, and optional glaze.

For the Dough (Danish Pastry Dough):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon milk

For the Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Cinnamon Danish (Step-by-Step Recipe)

Follow these simple steps to make homemade Cinnamon Danish that’s golden, crispy, and delicious.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast – In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
3. Incorporate the Butter – Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Place the cold butter cubes on one half, then fold the dough over and seal the edges.
4. Layer the Dough (Laminating Process) – Roll out the dough, then fold it into thirds like a letter. Repeat this process 3-4 times, chilling the dough in between.

• Tip: Laminating the dough creates flaky layers similar to croissants!

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a smooth paste.
2. Set aside for spreading onto the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cinnamon Danish

1. Roll Out the Dough – Once chilled, roll the dough into a large rectangle (¼ inch thick).
2. Spread the Filling – Evenly spread the cinnamon-butter mixture over the dough.
3. Cut and Shape – Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into slices or twist into knots for a beautiful pattern.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet – Place the pastries onto a lined baking tray, leaving space for them to rise.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

• Cover the shaped pastries with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Danish

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush with Egg Wash – Mix egg yolk and milk, then brush the pastries for a golden finish.
3. Bake – Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.

Step 6: Add the Glaze (Optional)

1. Mix the Glaze – Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
2. Drizzle Over the Pastries – Let the pastries cool slightly, then drizzle with the glaze for extra sweetness.

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Danish

• Use Cold Butter for the Best Layers – This helps create a flaky, bakery-style Danish pastry.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough – Over-kneading can make the pastry tough instead of light and airy.
• Let the Dough Rest – Chilling between layers makes the dough easier to work with and improves texture.
• Experiment with Shapes – Try braiding the dough or making cinnamon swirls for a fun twist.
• Add Extra Toppings – Sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins inside for added texture and flavor.

Variations of Cinnamon Danish

Want to try something different? Here are a few delicious variations of the classic Cinnamon Danish:

1. Cream Cheese Cinnamon Danish

• Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese before adding the cinnamon filling.
• Adds a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet pastry.

2. Nutty Cinnamon Danish

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for crunch and richness.

3. Apple Cinnamon Danish

• Layer thinly sliced apples on top of the cinnamon filling before rolling the dough.

4. Chocolate Cinnamon Danish

• Sprinkle chocolate chips inside the dough for a cinnamon-chocolate twist.

5. Maple Glazed Cinnamon Danish

• Replace the vanilla glaze with a maple syrup-based glaze for a deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Danish is best served fresh and warm with:
🍵 A cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast pairing.
🍓 Fresh fruits or yogurt for a balanced brunch.
🍫 Hot chocolate or spiced chai for a cozy treat.

• Storage Tip: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

FAQs About Cinnamon Danish

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  Yes! Prepare the dough a day before and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.
• Can I freeze Cinnamon Danish?
  Yes! Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Why is my pastry not flaky?
  Ensure the butter stays cold during the laminating process. Overworking the dough can also reduce flakiness
• Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
  Yes! If short on time, use ready-made puff pastry for a quicker version of Cinnamon Danish.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade Cinnamon Danish is easier than it looks and incredibly rewarding. With a crispy, flaky texture and warm cinnamon filling, these pastries are guaranteed to impress family and friends.