Puff pastry hearts are the ultimate sweet treat for Valentine’s Day. With just a handful of ingredients, these golden, flaky delights come together in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute dessert for your sweetheart or a fun baking project for the whole family. The combo of cream cheese and strawberry jam gives them a creamy, fruity center that feels indulgent yet simple. Whether you’re celebrating love with your partner or sharing sweet moments with kids, puff pastry hearts are an easy way to show someone you care.
Why You’ll Love This Puff Pastry Hearts Recipe
This recipe is a dream come true for both beginner and experienced bakers. The puff pastry does most of the heavy lifting, while the luscious strawberry and cream cheese filling adds just the right amount of sweetness. These heart-shaped treats are not only adorable but also incredibly tasty and customizable. You can whip them up quickly for brunch, dessert, or even as a romantic breakfast surprise. Plus, they look impressive without much effort!
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry crust, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup strawberry jam
- Red food coloring (optional, for a vibrant pink hue)
- Egg whites (optional, for a golden egg wash)
Yields 4–5 servings.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Puff Pastry Hearts
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on your puff pastry package, usually around 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry dough. Using a medium-sized heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as you can. For each heart, use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the center, creating a heart outline.
- Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, strawberry jam, and a drop or two of red food coloring if you’d like a pink filling. Mix until smooth, though some lumps are fine as long as the cream cheese is mostly broken down.
- Assemble the hearts: Place your large heart cutouts on the baking sheet. Fill the center of each heart with a spoonful of the cream cheese and jam mixture. Carefully lay the heart outlines over the filled ones.
- Add the finishing touch: Brush exposed pastry edges with egg whites if desired. This will give your hearts a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Thaw puff pastry in the fridge overnight to keep it cold and easy to work with.
- Use a piping bag for neater filling distribution.
- Don’t overfill or the cream cheese mixture may spill out during baking.
- You can chill the filled pastries for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
- For extra shine, sprinkle sugar on the edges before baking.
Substitutions And Variations
- Jam Flavors: Swap strawberry for raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam.
- Filling: Try Nutella or lemon curd for a twist on the original flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and egg replacer for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Savory Option: Ditch the sweet filling and go savory with pesto and mozzarella or spinach and ricotta.
- Glaze: Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze after baking for added sweetness.
Storage Instructions
Keep any leftover puff pastry hearts in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp. Skip the microwave, as it can leave the pastry soft and soggy.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving (1 heart-shaped pastry):
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
Keep in mind that nutritional values may vary depending on the brand of puff pastry and amount of filling used.
Serving Suggestions
Puff pastry hearts are best served fresh and warm, either on their own or with a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also plate them with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent presentation. Serve them at brunch, as a Valentine’s Day dessert, or pack them into lunchboxes as a special treat. Enjoy them with a cup of tea, hot chocolate, or even a glass of champagne for a romantic touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puff Pastry Hearts
Can I make puff pastry hearts ahead of time?
Feel free to prepare the hearts a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
Do I need to use red food coloring?
Adding food coloring is completely optional and just gives the filling a fun, festive look.
Can I freeze them?
You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pastries. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have heart-shaped cookie cutters?
No worries! Use a knife to cut out heart shapes freehand, or go with any other fun shape like stars or circles.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s simple, fun, and safe for kids to help with, especially when cutting shapes or mixing the filling.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for stopping by and trying out these puff pastry hearts! They’ve been a personal favorite for quick Valentine’s Day treats because they’re so easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re baking them for someone special or just because you love pastries (who doesn’t?), I hope they bring a little more sweetness into your day. Happy baking, and I’m so glad you’re part of this food-loving community. Enjoy every flaky, creamy bite!
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Puff Pastry Hearts
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Puff Pastry Hearts are quick, adorable, and filled with a creamy strawberry center. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or anytime you want to share something sweet and easy. Try this heart-shaped treat with your loved ones today!
Ingredients
1 package puff pastry crust, thawed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup strawberry jam
Red food coloring (optional)
Egg whites (optional, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on your puff pastry package, usually around 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry dough. Using a medium-sized heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as you can. For each heart, use a smaller heart cutter to cut out the center, creating a heart outline.
- Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, strawberry jam, and a drop or two of red food coloring if you’d like a pink filling. Mix until smooth, though some lumps are fine as long as the cream cheese is mostly broken down.
- Assemble the hearts: Place your large heart cutouts on the baking sheet. Fill the center of each heart with a spoonful of the cream cheese and jam mixture. Carefully lay the heart outlines over the filled ones.
- Add the finishing touch: Brush exposed pastry edges with egg whites if desired. This will give your hearts a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Chill filled pastries for 10 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
Use different jams like raspberry or blueberry for a flavor twist.
Skip food coloring if you prefer a natural look.
This recipe is great for kids to help with!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart-shaped pastry
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 4g