Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Make the Brioche Dough
- In a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the 4 eggs and the 1/4 cup milk. Mix on low speed for about 5 minutes until a stiff, shaggy dough forms.
- Increase the mixer to medium speed. Add the butter one cube at a time, allowing each piece to be fully incorporated before adding the next. This process should take 10–12 minutes.
- Continue mixing for another 8–10 minutes. The dough will be very soft and sticky at first but will eventually become shiny, smooth, and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Gently deflate the dough by folding it over itself, re-cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or overnight). This makes the high-fat dough firm enough to shape.
Prepare the Fillings
- In a small bowl, whisk the cream cheese, 2 tbsp sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and 1/8 tsp almond extract until completely smooth. Place in fridge.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Stir the 1/4 tsp almond extract into the melted butter, then pour over the flour. Use a fork to "rake" the mixture until it forms distinct, pea-sized clumps. Place in the fridge to firm up.
Shape and Proof
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take the cold dough from the fridge and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a tight, smooth ball.
- Place balls on the sheets, spacing them 3 inches apart. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 ½ to 2 hours. They should look very puffy, doubled in size.
Assemble and Bake
- Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Flour the bottom of a small juice glass. Press it firmly into the center of each puffed dough ball to create a deep well. If the dough sticks, re-flour the glass.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each well. Press 3–4 raspberries into the cream.
- Brush the exposed outer edges of the brioche with the beaten egg wash. Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of the Almond Crumble over the fruit and edges of the dough.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until the edges are golden.
The Glaze
- Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract together until smooth.
- Once the danishes have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top in a zig-zag pattern.
