If you want a treat that looks as delightful as it tastes, Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts are about to become your new go-to recipe. These little heart-shaped delicacies bring together buttery puff pastry, luscious strawberry jam, and juicy fresh strawberries in a dessert that’s both elegant and wonderfully simple. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just to make someone’s day a bit sweeter, Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts deliver charm and flavor in every golden, flaky bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Puff Pastry Hearts:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (diced)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by setting yourself up for baking bliss: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s at the perfect temperature for fast puffing. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the hearts from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet just enough to smooth out the folds and make it slightly thinner. This step helps you get more heart shapes and ensures every pastry is perfectly flaky. Grab your heart-shaped cookie cutter and cut out as many pairs of hearts as you can—aim for 10-12! Set half aside for the tops and half for the bottoms.
Step 3: Mix the Strawberry Filling
In a small bowl, stir together the strawberry jam and freshly diced strawberries. This mix gives you the best of both worlds: a jammy base that holds its shape and those surprise juicy bites from the real fruit. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Hearts
Spoon a teaspoon of your strawberry filling onto the center of each heart you’ve placed on the baking sheet, leaving a little border along the edges. Brush this border lightly with beaten egg—this acts as edible glue so the tops stick securely!
Step 5: Top and Crimp
Place the remaining pastry hearts over your filled ones, lining up the edges as best you can. Press around the borders to seal, then use a fork to crimp all along the edge for that irresistible, charming touch.
Step 6: Finish and Bake
Brush the tops of your strawberries puff pastry hearts with more egg wash to get beautiful shine, then sprinkle each one with a bit of granulated sugar. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the hearts are puffed and a deep golden color. Try to resist sneaking one right away—cool them slightly first, then dust with powdered sugar if you want an extra bit of dazzle!
How to Serve Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts
Garnishes
These Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts are picture-perfect all on their own, but a quick dusting of powdered sugar gives them a sophisticated bakery look your guests will love. Add a few extra fresh strawberry slices or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for decadent flair.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn these pastries into a memorable plated dessert. They also pair beautifully with coffee or a glass of sparkling wine for a playful brunch or romantic treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts on a tiered cake stand or nestle them in cupcake wrappers for a festive dessert table. For special occasions, tie them in cellophane bags with a little ribbon and give as edible gifts to show how much you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts left, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The pastry will stay crisp, but if your kitchen is humid, pop them in the fridge to maintain freshness. Just let them come to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these hearts both before and after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble and seal the pastries, then freeze on a tray until solid before transferring to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Already baked hearts can be frozen, too; just thaw at room temperature when you crave a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
For that just-baked feel, pop leftover Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This revives the flaky layers and warms the strawberry filling beautifully. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the pastry a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit besides strawberries?
Absolutely! While the signature version is all about strawberries, feel free to experiment with raspberry, mixed berry, or even peach jam and matching fruit for a fun twist. Just keep the ratios similar for the right consistency.
Do I need to thaw the puff pastry completely?
Yes, let your puff pastry thaw until it’s pliable but still cold to the touch. This makes it easier to roll out and cut, and ensures the pastry bakes up light and puffy without tearing or getting soggy.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?
No worries—you can use any cookie cutter shape you like, or even cut simple squares or circles with a knife or glass. The flavor will remain just as magical no matter the shape.
Can I prepare the hearts ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the hearts and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 6 hours before baking. Pop them straight into the oven from the fridge when you’re ready for fresh, warm Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be careful not to overfill each heart and always brush the edges with egg wash before sealing and crimping. The fork crimping step is key for locking in that juicy strawberry filling and keeping things neat during baking.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts feels like gifting a little love in every bite. They’re easy enough for a spontaneous treat but always impressive on the plate, and I promise—one batch won’t be enough. Give them a try and let their sweet charm brighten any day or celebration!
Print
Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 hearts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your loved ones with these adorable Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts that are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. These flaky, heart-shaped pastries are filled with a sweet strawberry mixture, making them a delightful treat for dessert or tea time.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Hearts:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (diced)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Cut out an even number of hearts using a cookie cutter.
- Assemble the Hearts: Place half of the hearts on the baking sheet. Mix strawberry jam with diced strawberries and spoon onto the hearts. Top with remaining hearts, seal edges, and crimp with a fork.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- You can use raspberry or mixed berry jam as a variation.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
