Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the creamy goodness of cheese with the vibrant sweetness of strawberries, you’re going to adore this Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe. These charming little hearts not only look adorable but also deliver a perfect balance of flaky puff pastry, smooth cream cheese, and fresh strawberry flavor all in one bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten up your day, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. The puff pastry gives the base a buttery, flaky texture, while the cream cheese adds luscious creaminess. Fresh strawberries bring juiciness and a pop of color, and a touch of strawberry jam adds sweet, fruity depth.

• 1 (8.6 oz) sheet puff pastry: Provides the flaky, golden crust essential for every pastry lover’s dream.
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a smooth, creamy richness that balances the tartness of strawberries.
• 1 1/2 Tbsp strawberry jam: Sweetens and intensifies the strawberry flavor inside the pastry.
• 1 drop red food coloring (optional): Enhances the color to make the filling even more visually appealing.
• 2/3 cup very small diced strawberries: Provides bursts of fresh, juicy sweetness and lovely texture.
• 1 large egg, whisked with 1 Tbsp water: Used to brush the edges for a glossy, golden finish.
• Powdered sugar, for dusting: A light dusting adds a pretty, delicate sweetness to the finished pastries.

How to Make Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Thaw Pastry

Start by thawing your puff pastry sheet according to the package directions. As it softens, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for baking as soon as your pastries are prepared. Timing is key for that perfect flaky texture.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

Combine the softened cream cheese and strawberry jam in a small bowl. If you want that lovely red hue, add a drop of red food coloring or a pinch of beet powder. Press the mixture against the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to smooth out any lumps. Chill it in the fridge or briefly in the freezer so it firms up slightly and won’t be runny when you fill your pastries.

Step 3: Cut Pastry Shapes

Once thawed, roll out the puff pastry gently, and use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many heart shapes as possible. Position your cutter close together so you get the most out of your pastry sheet—waste nothing!

Step 4: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner, then transfer the pastry hearts onto it, leaving about 1 1/2 inches between each one. This space allows the pastries to puff up nicely without sticking to each other.

Step 5: Score Hearts

Using a sharp paring knife, lightly score a smaller heart shape inside each pastry heart, about 1/3 inch from the edge. Make sure not to cut all the way through—this scoring creates a charming border to hold your filling and adds a lovely decorative touch once baked.

Step 6: Fill Pastries

Spoon roughly 1 teaspoon of your chilled cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, spreading it gently toward the edges but keeping the border clear. Then, scatter the finely diced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese. This layering gives each bite a burst of strawberry flavor with creamy balance underneath.

Step 7: Brush Edges

Brush the 1/3-inch border of each pastry heart with the egg wash. This simple step will transform your pastries with a gorgeous golden-brown shine and that irresistible crunch that makes pastries truly special.

Step 8: Bake Pastries

Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 15 minutes or until the pastry edges become puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with the wonderful aroma of baking pastry and sweet strawberries, a sign you’re almost there!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once your pastries are out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled just a bit, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant, sweet finish that’s picture perfect and delicious.

How to Serve Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also add a few fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of melted white chocolate to elevate their look and flavor. Fresh strawberry slices can also enhance the freshness and add a vibrant touch right before serving.

Side Dishes

These heart pastries pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful breakfast or brunch. For a more indulgent pairing, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn the experience into a special dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine serving these pastries on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of fresh berries and edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece. You can also arrange them on individual plates with a small salad of fresh berries and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a sophisticated twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to maintain their crispness and flavor. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can make the puff pastry soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze these pastries before baking by placing the shaped and filled hearts on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring them to a labeled zipper bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to achieve that perfect golden crunch.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pastries on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This revives their flaky texture and melts the cream cheese filling slightly for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are preferred for texture and flavor, but if frozen strawberries are your only option, thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid making the filling too watery.

Is there a substitute for puff pastry?

Puff pastry is ideal for its flaky layers, but you could try phyllo dough for a different texture or even use crescent roll dough for an easier option, though the taste and texture will vary.

Can I make these pastries vegan?

To make a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese, vegan puff pastry, and a flax egg or commercial egg replacer for brushing the edges. The strawberries and jam are naturally vegan and full of flavor.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Chilling the cream cheese mixture helps prevent sogginess, and scoring the pastry creates a barrier that keeps the crust crisp during baking.

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

No worries! You can use any other cookie cutter shape or carefully cut out hearts by hand using a sharp knife for a homemade touch that’s just as charming.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe is a sweet little opportunity to impress yourself and everyone you share it with. Baking these is not only fun but incredibly rewarding, filling your kitchen with warmth and love. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these tender, flaky, fruity delights in your baking repertoire!

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