Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ½ cup of sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Lightly flour your countertop and unfold the puff pastry sheets. Roll to about ¼ inch thickness and cut into four equal squares, scoring a ½ inch border around each square.

Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling onto the center of each pastry square, staying within the scored border.

Toss strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl and arrange them on top of the cream cheese filling.

Whisk together the egg yolk and water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the danishes for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.