Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Pastries (Printable Version)
Golden flaky pastries with creamy cheese and strawberry filling, perfect for special occasions.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pastry Components
01 - 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (approximately 17.25 ounces), thawed
02 - 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
→ Cream Cheese Filling
03 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Strawberry Topping
06 - 4 tablespoons strawberry preserves or jam
07 - 6 fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
→ Vanilla Glaze
08 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
09 - 1 to 2 tablespoons whole milk
10 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - On a lightly floured work surface, unfold puff pastry. Using a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut 16 heart shapes. Arrange 8 whole hearts on prepared baking sheet. Using a 2-inch heart cutter, cut centers from remaining 8 hearts to create frames.
03 - Brush edges of whole hearts on baking sheet with egg wash. Position heart frames atop base hearts, pressing gently to seal layers together.
04 - In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy.
05 - Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture into center of each pastry frame. Top with 1/2 tablespoon strawberry preserves and arrange fresh strawberry slices over preserves.
06 - Brush exposed pastry edges with remaining egg wash for golden coloring.
07 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until pastry achieves deep golden color and puffs significantly. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before glazing.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional milk if needed. Drizzle glaze over cooled pastries before serving.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- They look like you spent hours, but the puff pastry does all the heavy lifting
- The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry hits every note perfectly
02 -
- Work quickly with the puff pastry, or let it thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight for easier handling
- If the cream cheese filling feels too loose, chill it for 15 minutes before using
03 -
- Brush the baked danishes with warm apricot jam for an extra glossy professional finish
- If your puff pastry cracks while unfolding, press it back together gently. It will bake out beautifully