Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts cute and delicious, look no further than these Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts. They’re light, buttery, and bursting with sweet, juicy strawberries—making them the perfect treat for any occasion, but especially for something special like Valentine’s Day or an anniversary. Plus, they look so fancy, yet they’re super easy to make—trust me, you’re going to impress everyone with these flaky little hearts of love!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts

• Buttery Flaky Goodness: The puff pastry is light, crispy, and perfectly buttery. It’s the kind of texture that makes each bite feel like a little piece of heaven.
• Sweet & Tangy: The combination of fresh strawberries with a touch of sugar gives this treat just the right balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Easy Yet Elegant: You don’t have to be a professional pastry chef to make these beauties. They’re simple to assemble, yet they look like something straight out of a fancy bakery.
• Perfect for Sharing: The heart shape is just the right size for sharing, whether it’s with your significant other or with friends at a gathering. They’re great for parties or just a cozy afternoon snack.
• Versatile: You can easily tweak these puff pastry hearts to your liking. Try swapping out strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a fun twist.

Ingredients in Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible treats:

• Puff Pastry Sheets: The key to that flakey, crispy texture that melts in your mouth. Use store-bought puff pastry to save time!
• Fresh Strawberries: Sweet, juicy strawberries bring a burst of flavor. Make sure they’re ripe for the best results.
• Sugar: A bit of sugar to sweeten the strawberries and help them caramelize a little as they bake.
• Cream Cheese: Optional, but it adds a nice creaminess and tang to balance out the sweetness.
• Egg: You’ll need an egg to brush on the pastry before baking, giving it that golden, crispy finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle aromatic sweetness to the pastry filling.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making these adorable puff pastry hearts:

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Strawberries

Wash and slice the strawberries into thin slices. Place them in a small bowl and sprinkle a little sugar on top. Toss them gently to coat, and set them aside for a few minutes to release their natural juices.

Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Unfold the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes from the puff pastry. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can freehand it with a knife.

Add the Cream Cheese (Optional)

If you’re using cream cheese, spread a thin layer on each puff pastry heart. It gives a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the strawberries. If you’re skipping this, you can move straight to adding the strawberries.

Assemble the Hearts

Place a few slices of sugared strawberries in the center of each puff pastry heart. Be careful not to overfill them—leave a little room around the edges.

Brush with Egg Wash

Beat the egg and brush it lightly on the edges of the puff pastry hearts to help them get a golden, glossy finish when baked.

Bake the Hearts

Place the assembled hearts on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them—every oven is different!

Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can top them with a dusting of powdered sugar or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!

How to Serve Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives these pastries a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy element that complements the tart strawberries.
• On Their Own: These puff pastry hearts are perfectly delightful on their own, with no extra adornment needed.
• With a Drizzle of Chocolate: If you want to make them extra decadent, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for a fancy touch.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can prep the puff pastry hearts ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge before baking. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
• Experiment with Fruit: Feel free to swap out the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even apples for a delicious twist.
• Make Mini Hearts: If you’re hosting a party, consider making mini versions of these hearts for bite-sized treats that everyone can enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 hearts
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these puff pastry hearts ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can assemble the puff pastry hearts and refrigerate them before baking. When ready, just pop them in the oven for a fresh, warm treat.

Q2: Can I use frozen puff pastry?
A2: Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry works just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before using it.

Q3: Can I add more fruit?
A3: Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches for a different flavor.

Q4: Can I skip the egg wash?
A4: The egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden color, but you can skip it if you prefer. You can also use a dairy-free milk alternative if needed.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month—just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing.

Q6: Can I make these hearts into a full pie?
A6: Absolutely! You could layer the puff pastry and strawberries to make a heart-shaped pie, just like a tart, and bake it the same way.

Q7: Can I add a glaze to these?
A7: Yes! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice would be a perfect addition to drizzle over the tops of the hearts.

Q8: Can I use other types of puff pastry, like whole wheat?
A8: You can use whole wheat puff pastry, but keep in mind the texture and flavor may be a bit different. The traditional puff pastry is buttery and flaky, so it’s worth using that if you want the classic result.

Q9: Are these puff pastry hearts gluten-free?
A9: Traditional puff pastry isn’t gluten-free, but you can find gluten-free puff pastry at specialty stores. Just check the packaging to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Q10: How can I make these puff pastry hearts more festive?
A10: For a fun twist, you can use colored sugar, sprinkles, or even edible glitter to decorate the hearts for special occasions like Valentine’s Day.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts are a fun, sweet way to show someone you care—or just to treat yourself to something delicious. With their light, flaky layers and sweet strawberry filling, they’re the kind of dessert that’ll make everyone feel special. And the best part? They’re so easy to make that you can whip them up on a whim, any day of the week. Enjoy!

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