Danish Pastry

Ingredients

• 2 cups unsalted butter , softened
• 0.67 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 cups all-purpose flour , divided
• 4.5 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2.5 cups milk
• 0.5 cups white sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups fruit preserves , any flavor
• 1 large egg white , beaten

Instructions

1. 1

   Cream butter and 2/3 cup flour in a medium bowl until well combined. Divide into 2 equal parts, then roll each half between 2 pieces waxed paper into a 6x12-inch sheet. Chill butter sheets in the refrigerator.

2. 2

   Mix 3 cups flour with active dry yeast in a mixing bowl; set aside.

3. 3

   Stir together milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until warm, but not hot to the touch, about 115 degrees F (43 degrees C).

4. 4

   Pour warm milk mixture over flour mixture. Add eggs, lemon extract, and almond extract. Stir for 3 minutes. Knead in remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough is firm and pliable. Cover and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, 30 minutes to 1 hour.

5. 5

   Cut dough in half. Roll each half out to a 14-inch square. Place one cold butter sheet over half of each dough square, off to one side, then fold dough over butter sheet like the cover of a book. Pinch the edges of dough together with your fingers.

6. 6

   Roll each piece out to a 20x12-inch rectangle. Fold into thirds like a letter. Repeat rolling and folding one more time. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Roll and fold each piece of dough two more times. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

8. 8

   Roll dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut dough into squares. Place a dollop of fruit preserves in the center. Fold 2 opposite corners over the center to form a filled diamond shape. Place danishes on an ungreased baking sheet. Allow to rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

9. 9

   Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C).

10. 10

    Brush beaten egg white over pastries.

11. 11

    Bake in the preheated oven until the bottoms are golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.