If you are looking for a delightful treat that is both charming and delicious, the Puff Pastry Hearts with Icing Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These golden, buttery hearts offer a perfect balance of flaky texture and sweet cinnamon sugar flavor, topped off with a glossy, vanilla-kissed icing that adds just the right touch of indulgence. Whether you’re preparing a heartfelt gift for someone special or whipping up a sweet snack to brighten your day, this recipe is a simple yet elegant way to spread love through food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, but don’t worry — this recipe calls for simple, accessible items that come together effortlessly. Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that make these puff pastry hearts truly shine.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The star of the show, providing a light and flaky base that puffs up beautifully in the oven.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle sweetness and helps create a slightly caramelized crust when baked.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon, optional): Infuses a warm, cozy aroma that pairs wonderfully with the sugar.
- Egg (1, beaten for egg wash): Gives the hearts a gorgeous golden color and a glossy finish.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Forms the base of the smooth, sweet icing drizzled on top.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Used to achieve the perfect icing consistency, adding just a touch of creaminess.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Elevates the icing with a comforting, rich flavor.
- Red or pink food coloring (optional): Makes the icing extra festive, especially for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion.
How to Make Puff Pastry Hearts with Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Surface and Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly flour a clean work surface and gently unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet, preparing it for the next steps.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Cinnamon
If you love that warm spice touch, mix your granulated sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly across the unfolded puff pastry. This not only sweetens the pastry but also adds that gorgeous, inviting aroma during baking.
Step 3: Fold the Pastry
Fold the long sides of the pastry inward towards the center until they meet. Then fold each side in again, creating multiple layers of sugary goodness. Finally, fold one half over the other as if you are closing a book. This folding technique is what creates the iconic hearts when sliced.
Step 4: Slice and Shape the Hearts
Using a sharp knife, slice the pastry log into ½-inch thick pieces. Then, gently pinch one side of each piece to form a heart shape—this simple pinch transforms the pastry into something truly special and eye-catching.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Place your hearts on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they have some space to puff up nicely. Brush each one lightly with the beaten egg to give them that irresistible golden, shiny finish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the hearts have puffed up and turned a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Icing
While the hearts cool on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Feel free to add a few drops of red or pink food coloring for that festive pop of color. Drizzle or pipe the icing onto the cooled puff pastry hearts, then let them set before serving.
How to Serve Puff Pastry Hearts with Icing Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle some edible glitter, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or chopped nuts on top of the icing. These simple additions create a stunning presentation and add delightful texture to your Puff Pastry Hearts with Icing Recipe.
Side Dishes
These hearts are fantastic alongside a warm cup of tea, a latte, or even a fresh fruit salad. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with light, fresh flavors to create a well-rounded treat perfect for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the hearts on a tiered dessert tray or in a cute box tied with a ribbon as a homemade gift. They also look adorable when placed on doilies or alongside fresh flowers for romantic occasions or special parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Puff Pastry Hearts with Icing Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps keep their flaky texture while preserving the sweet icing finish.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked hearts without icing by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to two months. When ready, thaw and then add fresh icing for the best results.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked crispiness, warm your puff pastry hearts in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy and diminish its flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work beautifully here and can add an extra touch of freshness and personal flair, though store-bought sheets are a great time saver.
What if I don’t have cinnamon? Can I skip it?
Yes, cinnamon is optional and the hearts will still be delicious without it. You can also experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for different flavor profiles.
How thick should the puff pastry pieces be before baking?
Slicing the pastry log into ½-inch thick pieces creates the perfect balance between a puffed, flaky interior and a crisp exterior—thicker or thinner slices may affect baking time and texture.
Can the icing be made ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the icing a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling it over your cooled hearts.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly, but it does contain egg for the wash, so it’s not vegan. You can try substituting with plant-based alternatives, though results may vary.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking and sharing homemade treats, and this Puff Pastry Hearts with Icing Recipe is a wonderful way to add love and sweetness to your kitchen. It’s simple, fun, and such a crowd-pleaser that you might just find yourself making these charming hearts again and again. Go ahead, give them a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Puff Pastry Hearts with Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 hearts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful puff pastry hearts topped with a sweet vanilla icing, perfect for Valentine’s Day or a charming brunch treat. Flaky, golden, and lightly sweetened with cinnamon and sugar, these pastries are both easy to make and beautifully festive.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Icing
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. If desired, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the pastry for enhanced flavor.
- Fold the Pastry: Fold the long sides of the pastry inward toward the center so they meet in the middle, then fold each side inward again. Fold one half over the other like closing a book to create a layered log.
- Slice and Shape: Slice the folded log into ½-inch pieces. Gently pinch one side of each piece to shape them into hearts.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the shaped hearts on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush them with the beaten egg wash to achieve a golden glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake the hearts for 12–15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up beautifully. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- Make the Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add red or pink food coloring if desired to brighten the icing for a festive look.
- Decorate: Drizzle or pipe the icing over the cooled puff pastry hearts. Allow the icing to set before serving for best presentation and taste.
Notes
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day or as a sweet treat during brunch.
- For an extra indulgence, dip one side of each pastry heart in melted chocolate.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
