Prepare the Pastry

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll and Cut: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into four equal squares. You’ll have a total of 8 squares.

Make the Filling

3. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Danishes

4. Shape the Pastry: Take each square and fold the edges slightly inward to create a shallow well in the center.
5. Add Filling: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each square.
6. Top with Preserves: Add a dollop of strawberry preserves on top of the cream cheese filling.

Bake

7. Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the pastry squares with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
8. Bake: Place the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Cool and Serve

9. Cool: Allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a touch of elegance, dust the cooled danishes with powdered sugar.