Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts! These delightful pastries combine flaky, buttery layers with a burst of sweet strawberry filling, all shaped into charming hearts that are as pretty as they are delicious. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or just a fun baking project, this treat is guaranteed to win hearts (and taste buds) no matter the occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- ½ cup strawberry preserves or jam
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and finely diced)
Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which sets the stage for perfectly puffed and golden pastries. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts don’t stick and are super easy to remove after baking.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. This smooths any seams and helps you get a little extra surface area for more hearts! Aim for an even thickness so all your pastries bake uniformly.
Step 3: Cut Out Heart Shapes
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as you can from the pastry—usually about 12, depending on your cutter size. Try to pair up the hearts for easy assembly later. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut a few more if you like.
Step 4: Fill with Strawberry Goodness
Place half of the heart cutouts onto your prepared baking sheet. Spoon about a teaspoon of strawberry preserves into the center of each, then top with a small spoonful of finely diced strawberries. This combo creates a jammy, juicy center that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Seal and Assemble
Brush the edges of each filled heart with the beaten egg. Place a second heart cutout over the filling, and gently press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges—this not only keeps the filling tucked inside but also makes the hearts look adorable.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
Brush the tops of each heart with more beaten egg for that golden sheen. If you like, sprinkle a little granulated sugar over each one for a sweet crunch and a bit of sparkle.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully puffed and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before dusting with a flurry of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts
Garnishes
For a classic look, dust your Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts with a generous shower of powdered sugar. If you want to add a little flair, scatter a few extra diced strawberries or fresh mint leaves over the plate. A drizzle of melted chocolate is also a gorgeous (and delicious) touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert, or serve them alongside a bowl of whipped cream for dipping. For brunch, they’re delightful with a fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts on a pretty platter in a heart shape for a festive centerpiece. Stack them in a bakery-style tower, or package them in small boxes tied with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. They also look stunning set atop individual plates for an elegant dinner party dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Freezing
These pastries freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then place in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature or reheat straight from the freezer for a quick treat.
Reheating
To re-crisp your Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back the flaky texture and revives that fresh-baked taste—just as irresistible as the day they were made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam or preserves?
Absolutely! While strawberry is classic, you can swap in raspberry, apricot, or even blueberry jam for a new twist on Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts. Just keep the proportions the same for the best results.
Do I need to use a heart-shaped cutter?
Not at all! Hearts are traditional and perfect for special occasions, but circles, stars, or any fun shape will work. The key is to keep the sizes even so your pastries bake properly.
Can I make Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pastries and refrigerate them (covered) for several hours before baking. This makes them a great make-ahead dessert for parties or brunch.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the edges well with a fork and don’t overfill the centers. Brushing the edges with egg wash before sealing also helps hold everything together.
Can I make these pastries vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan puff pastry (many store-bought brands are already vegan), swap the egg wash for a little plant milk, and use a vegan-friendly jam. The result is just as delicious and cheerful.
Final Thoughts
I promise you’ll fall head over heels for these Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts. They’re easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough to share with someone you love. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 filled hearts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully flaky and fruity, these Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts are perfect for a romantic dessert or a sweet treat any time. Made with buttery puff pastry, sweet strawberry preserves, fresh strawberries, and a touch of sugar, they bake up golden and irresistible. Easy to prepare and visually charming with their heart shape, these pastries are ideal for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for a delicate, homemade pastry.
Ingredients
Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- ½ cup strawberry preserves or jam
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and finely diced)
Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cut the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet gently to smooth seams and even thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out about 12 hearts, depending on the size of your cutter.
- Assemble the Pastries: Place half of the heart cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of strawberry preserves in the center of each heart, then add a small spoonful of finely diced fresh strawberries on top of the preserves.
- Seal the Hearts: Brush the edges of the filled hearts with beaten egg to help seal them. Place the remaining heart cutouts on top, pressing edges gently with a fork to seal fully and prevent leakage during baking.
- Add Finishing Touches: Brush the tops of the sealed pastries with additional egg wash for a lovely golden shine and sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown in color, signaling they are fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool slightly on a rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving to add an elegant finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute the strawberry preserves with raspberry or apricot jam for a unique flavor variation.
- Serve these pastries warm and consider pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate them into a decadent dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
