Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts are a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion when you want to share a little love. These buttery, flaky pastries are filled with sweet strawberry preserves and topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Uses store-bought puff pastry for quick assembly.
- Beautiful Presentation: Heart shapes make these pastries perfect for special occasions.
- Customizable: Fill with your favorite jam or even chocolate for a delightful twist.
- Great for Sharing: These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a sweet gift.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Strawberry preserves or jam
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Optional: Fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle for garnish.
Directions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface until they are about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the Hearts:
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out even numbers of hearts from the pastry. You’ll need two hearts for each pastry (one for the base and one for the top).
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Place half of the hearts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of strawberry preserves onto the center of each heart, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg to help seal the pastries.
- Add the Top Layer:
- Place the remaining hearts on top of the filled ones. Gently press the edges together to seal, using a fork to crimp them for a decorative touch.
- Apply Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the remaining beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish:
- Allow the pastries to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 8 pastries
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Filling: Replace strawberry preserves with Nutella or chocolate ganache.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese under the jam for a creamy twist.
- Mixed Berry: Use a combination of your favorite berry jams for a fruity variety.
- Savory Option: Skip the powdered sugar and fill with goat cheese and strawberry preserves for a sweet-savory treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade puff pastry will work beautifully, though it requires more time and effort.
2. Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking. Bake fresh for the best results.
3. Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Absolutely, just ensure it’s fully thawed before rolling and cutting.
4. What other shapes can I make?
Feel free to use any cookie cutter shape, such as stars or circles, for different occasions.
5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Don’t overfill the pastries, and ensure the edges are well-sealed with egg wash.
6. Can I freeze these pastries?
Yes, freeze unbaked pastries on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
7. How do I make them extra flaky?
Chill the assembled pastries for 10 minutes in the fridge before baking to keep the butter in the puff pastry cold.
8. Can I use other jams?
Yes, raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam are great alternatives.
9. Can I make them dairy-free?
Most store-bought puff pastry is dairy-free, but check the label. Replace egg wash with a plant-based milk for brushing.
10. How do I make a glaze for the topping?
Mix powdered sugar with a few drops of milk and vanilla extract for a quick drizzle glaze.
Conclusion
Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts are a delightful and elegant dessert that’s incredibly easy to make. With their flaky layers, sweet strawberry filling, and decorative heart shape, these pastries are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these treats are sure to impress. Bake a batch today and enjoy the sweet taste of love in every bite!
Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 hearts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Description
These adorable strawberry puff pastry hearts are flaky, buttery, and filled with sweet strawberry preserves. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or any special occasion, they’re quick to make and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves or jam
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 3–4 inches) to cut out an even number of hearts (you should get 8–10 pairs, depending on the size of your cutter).
- Assemble the Hearts:
- Place half of the hearts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry preserves into the center of each heart, spreading slightly but leaving a border around the edges.
- Brush the edges of the hearts with the beaten egg to help seal the layers.
- Add the Top Layer:
- Place the remaining hearts on top of the jam-covered hearts, pressing gently around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Dust the cooled hearts with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a creamier filling, mix the strawberry preserves with 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese before assembling.
- These puff pastry hearts are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the crispiness.
- Use other fillings like Nutella, raspberry jam, or lemon curd for variety.