In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and cream. Set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside as well. Bring the jam to room temperature. If it’s been refrigerated.
Take the dough out of the fridge and set on a clean, light floured surface. Lightly flour the rolling pin (you can also use a wine bottle in a pinch) and your hands as well. Roll the dough into a large square about ½ inch thick (don’t go thinner). Try to make this the sides as straight as possible; pull the dough a bit at the corners to get crisp angles (as best you can).
Cut out 12 square pieces of dough of about the equal size. Working quickly, roll each square out to be 4- to 5-square inches; taking care not to roll the dough thinner than ¼ inch thickness. Use additional dough as needed to keep the dough from sticking. Place the squares on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2-3 inches between each danish. Brush the corners with the egg wash and press the corners towards the middle to seal (see video). Reserve the egg wash for brushing the danishes just prior to baking. Cover with lightly oiled plastic wrap and let sit for about 90 minutes. The danishes will be puffed up and light to the touch.
Preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
Press the center of each danish down in the middle, re-securing the edges to the middle. Brush the outer edges of the danish with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with the sparkling sugar. Place 2 teaspoons of cream cheese filling (if using) in the center of the danish and then top with 2 teaspoons of the prune jam. If just using the prune jam, then just place it in the middle…and consider adding another teaspoon if you’re feeling it.
Bake in the center of the oven for 12-15 minutes and the edges are nicely bronzed; we’re talking a nice, George-Hamilton-at-the-start-of-summer bronze. Immediately transfer the danishes to a rack to cool a bit. These are delicious warm, fabulous at room temperature…I can’t think of an occasion where they wouldn’t be next level amazing? Enjoy friends!
If you like this recipe, please give it a star rating and let me know how it went and if there are any tips or variations that we can share with others. Have fun!! xo