Recipe

Danish Pastry Recipe

Print Recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 c milk
2 eggs
1 tsp lemon extract
2/3 c all-purpose flour
2 tsps salt
2 c unsalted butter, softened
8 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp almond extract
4 1/2 tsps active dry yeast
1/2 c white sugar

Directions

Step #1 In a medium bowl, cream together the butter & 2/3 c of flour.
Step #2 Divide into 2 equal parts, & roll each half between 2 pieces of waxed paper into a 6 x12 inch sheet.
Step #3 Refrigerate.
Step #4 In a large bowl, mix together the dry yeast & 3 c of the remaining flour.
Step #5 In a small saucepan over med-heat/flame, mix the milk, sugar & salt.
Step #6 Heat to 115 degrees F (43 degrees C), or just warm, but not hot to the touch.
Step #7 Mix the warm milk mixture into the flour & yeast along with the eggs, & lemon & almond extracts.
Step #8 Stir for 3 mins.
Step #9 Knead in the remaining flour 1/2 c at a time until the dough is firm & pliable.
Step #10 Set aside to rest until double in size.
Step #11 Cut the dough in half, & roll each half out to a 14 inch square.
Step #12 Place one sheet of the cold butter onto each piece of dough, & fold the dough over it like the cover of a book.
Step #13 Seal edges by pressing with fingers.
Step #14 Roll each piece out to a 20x 12 inch rectangle, then fold into thirds by folding the long sides in over the center.
Step #15 Repeat rolling into a large rectangle, & folding into thirds.
Step #16 Wrap in plastic & put in the fridge for at least 30 mins.
Step #17 Remove from the refrigerator one at a time, & roll & fold each piece two more times.
Step #18 Return to the refrigerator to chill again before shaping.
Step #19 If the butter gets too warm, the dough will become difficult to manage.
Step #20 To make danishes, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness.
Step #21 The dough can be cut into squares, with a filling placed in the center.
Step #22 Fold 2 of the corners over the center to form a filled diamond shape.
Step #23 Or, cut into 1 inch strips, fold the piece in half, stretch, twist & roll this into a spiral.
Step #24 Place a dollop of preserves or other filling in the center.
Step #25 Place danishes on an ungreased baking sheet, & let rise until doubled.
Step #26 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Step #27 Danishes can be brushed with egg white for a shiny finish.
Step #28 Bake for 8 to 10 mins in the preheated oven, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
Step #29 .
Enjoy the Danish Pastry recipe