Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe

If you have a soft spot for charming, flaky treats that combine the tangy creaminess of cheese with the sweet burst of strawberries, then this Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe is going to steal your heart completely. These delightful pastries are as visually inviting as they are delicious, featuring crisp puff pastry hearts filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and juicy diced strawberries, all finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Whether for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon tea, or a special occasion, this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe lies in its simplicity and high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance you’ll love.

• Puff pastry sheet (8.6 oz): Provides the flaky, buttery base essential for light and crisp pastries.
• Cream cheese (2 oz, softened): Adds a smooth, tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Strawberry jam (1 1/2 Tbsp): Intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds a lovely sweetness to the filling.
• Red food coloring or beet powder (1 drop, optional): Gives the cream cheese mixture a pretty pink tint for extra visual appeal.
• Diced fresh strawberries (2/3 cup, very small pieces): Adds freshness and natural sweetness with a juicy pop in every bite.
• Egg wash (1 large egg whisked with 1 Tbsp water): Ensures the pastry edges turn golden and glossy during baking.
• Powdered sugar, for dusting: A light touch of sweetness and beautiful presentation finish.

How to Make Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Thaw Pastry

Begin by thawing your puff pastry according to the package directions. This step is essential for getting that perfect flaky texture. When the pastry is halfway thawed, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to bake as soon as you’re finished prepping.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, strawberry jam, and if you like, add a drop of red food coloring or beet powder to give the filling a lovely pink hue. Using a rubber spatula, press the mixture against the bowl to eliminate any lumps and create a smooth filling. Pop it into the fridge or freezer briefly to chill so it holds its shape better when filling the pastries.

Step 3: Cut Pastry Shapes

Once your puff pastry is thawed, roll it out gently and use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many heart shapes as you can. Make sure to press the cutter close together to get the most shapes possible without wasting pastry.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with either a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Transfer your cut-out puff pastry hearts onto the sheet, leaving about 1 1/2 inches between each one to ensure they have room to rise while baking.

Step 5: Score Hearts

Take a sharp paring knife and lightly score a smaller heart shape inside each pastry heart about 1/3-inch inside the edges. This delicate step creates a border that keeps your filling tucked neatly inside without spilling over when baking.

Step 6: Fill Pastries

Use a teaspoon to spoon approximately one teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart-shaped pastry. Spread it gently outward, keeping the 1/3-inch border clear. Then, scatter the tiny diced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese filling, again avoiding the edges.

Step 7: Brush Edges

Lightly brush the exposed 1/3-inch edges of each pastry heart with your egg wash. This simple step helps the edges develop a gorgeous golden, shiny finish that makes these heart pastries irresistibly pretty and tasty.

Step 8: Bake Pastries

Place your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 14 to 15 minutes. You will know they’re ready when the puff pastry edges are perfectly golden brown and puffed up delightfully.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, transfer the pastries to a wire rack to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet, elegant touch. These Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe beauties are best served fresh the same day to enjoy their flaky texture and vibrant flavors at their peak.

How to Serve Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe

Garnishes

While the pastries themselves are stunning, you can elevate their visual impact and flavor by garnishing with a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate also adds a decadent touch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese filling.

Side Dishes

These pastries are fantastic served alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a pot of fragrant tea. For a fuller brunch experience, consider pairing them with fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe on a pretty serving platter lined with parchment paper or decorative doilies. You can arrange them in a heart shape for a festive look, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any romantic setting. Mini dessert plates with a little berry coulis on the side allow guests to customize their experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Should you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh, but if kept carefully, they will retain much of their texture for a short time.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe in advance, you can freeze the unbaked shaped pastries after filling and brushing with egg wash. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pastries in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh their flakiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy and chewy rather than crisp and light.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cream cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought cream cheese works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing to achieve a smooth and creamy filling.

Are fresh strawberries necessary, or can I use frozen?

Fresh strawberries are best here because they hold their shape and provide a natural juicy texture. Frozen strawberries tend to be too watery when thawed, which might affect the pastry’s crispness.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?

You can use any small cookie cutter shape you love, such as circles or stars, but the heart shape really adds a special charm that suits the recipe beautifully.

Is it possible to make these pastries vegan or dairy-free?

You could try substituting vegan cream cheese alternatives and using a plant-based puff pastry. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delightful!

How long can I keep these pastries fresh after baking?

For the best texture and flavor, enjoy your pastries within the same day. They begin to lose their crispiness after about 24 hours, even when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing the Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe. It’s a sweet, flaky treat that brings joy with every bite, perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen and a delightful surprise for everyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

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