Strawberry cream cheese breakfast pastries are a delectable way to start your morning. These flaky, buttery pastries are filled with a creamy cheese mixture and sweet strawberry jam, then baked to golden perfection. They’re perfect for brunch, special occasions, or simply indulging in a delightful homemade breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Uses store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
- Impressive and Delicious: A bakery-quality treat made at home.
- Versatile: Customize the filling with your favorite jams or fresh fruits.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfasts, brunches, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Strawberry jam or preserves
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Cut the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares (about 4×4 inches).
- Assemble the Pastries: Place a dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, followed by a teaspoon of strawberry jam. Fold or crimp the edges as desired to enclose the filling slightly.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the edges of the pastries for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 8 pastries.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
Variations
- Fresh Strawberries: Use diced fresh strawberries instead of jam for a fruitier bite.
- Different Jams: Swap strawberry jam for raspberry, apricot, or blueberry preserves.
- Savory Option: Replace the strawberry jam with cooked bacon or ham for a savory twist.
- Homemade Pastry: If you prefer, make your puff pastry from scratch for a fully homemade version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Warm the pastries in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
For the best texture, use fresh strawberries or jam. Frozen strawberries may release too much liquid during baking.
3. What if I don’t have puff pastry?
You can use crescent roll dough or pie crust as an alternative.
4. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Don’t overfill the pastries, and press the edges firmly to seal them.
5. Can I make these pastries dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and check that your puff pastry is vegan.
6. Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! Try peaches, cherries, or apples for a delicious variation.
7. Why is my puff pastry not rising properly?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and keep the pastry cold before baking.
8. Can I glaze these pastries?
Yes, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled pastries for extra sweetness.
9. Can I make mini pastries?
Yes, cut the pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized treats. Adjust the baking time as needed.
10. How do I know when the pastries are done?
They should be golden brown and puffed up. Check the bottom to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Conclusion
Strawberry cream cheese breakfast pastries are a show-stopping yet simple recipe that will brighten any morning. With their flaky crust, creamy filling, and sweet strawberry flavor, these pastries are sure to become a favorite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a treat any time of day, they’re as delicious as they are easy to make. Try them out and enjoy bakery-quality pastries right from your own kitchen!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries 1x
- Category: Breakfast Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Pastries are flaky, buttery, and filled with a sweet cream cheese layer and juicy strawberry topping. Perfect for a quick breakfast or an elegant brunch treat, they’re easy to make with store-bought puff pastry!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (about 250g) puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120g) strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/2 cup (75g) fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pastry Base:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 6 equal rectangles or squares.
- Using a knife, lightly score a smaller rectangle about ½ inch inside the edges of each piece, creating a border (don’t cut all the way through). Place the pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture inside the scored border of each pastry.
- Add a teaspoon of strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese, spreading it lightly.
- Sprinkle the diced strawberries over the jam layer.
- Brush with Egg Wash:
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg to help them turn golden during baking.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pastries to cool for 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a twist, substitute the strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
- If you don’t have fresh fruit, you can use only jam for the filling.
- Store leftover pastries in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.