Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries bring together the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with a luscious strawberry cream cheese filling. These heart-shaped treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet occasion where you want to impress with taste and presentation. Their vibrant appearance and delicious combination of flavors make them a favorite for sharing with loved ones or enjoying a special solo treat.

I first made these pastries on a lazy Sunday morning, and they quickly became a weekly request from my family. The combination of fresh strawberries and cream cheese filling always feels like a little celebration on the table.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: provides a light, flaky base choose high-quality frozen puff pastry for the best rise and texture
• Large egg: used for the egg wash to help pastries brown beautifully room temperature is best for easy whisking
• Water: mixed with the egg for the wash to ensure smooth brushing
• Strawberry cream cheese: the creamy, flavorful filling’s heart look for an authentic strawberry flavor or make your own by blending cream cheese with strawberry preserves
• Strawberry jam: adds sweetness and enhances the berry flavor opt for a jam with visible fruit pieces for texture
• Pink food coloring: optional for a pretty pastel hue in the filling
• Fresh diced strawberries: provide freshness and a burst of juiciness inside the pastry
• Sparkling sugar: adds a sweet, crunchy touch on baking
• Powdered sugar: dusted over the finished pastries for an elegant look

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Begin by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Ensure your puff pastry sheet is fully thawed before you start working to prevent cracks and ensure even baking.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, combine three ounces of strawberry cream cheese, two tablespoons of strawberry jam, and one drop of pink food coloring. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any lumps.

Cut the Puff Pastry:

Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet just enough to smooth it. Use a three-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts. Inside each heart, gently score a smaller heart shape about one-third of an inch from the edge to help the pastry puff during baking.

Assemble the Pastries:

Spread a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture inside the scored hearts. Add diced fresh strawberries in the center, being careful not to overfill to avoid leaks during baking.

Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkling:

Whisk together one large egg and one tablespoon of water to create a glossy egg wash. Brush this around the edges of the pastries carefully. Sprinkle sparkling sugar gently on the edges for a subtle sparkle after baking.

Bake Until Golden:

Place the prepared pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for about fourteen to fifteen minutes or until they turn a golden brown color.

Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar:

Once baked, transfer the pastries to a wire rack to cool. Just before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar for an elegant and sweet finish.

Bookmark

I love using fresh diced strawberries in this recipe because they add bursts of sweetness and juiciness that contrast beautifully with the flaky pastry. One memorable moment was making these for a small family brunch where everyone was delighted by the heart shapes and fresh flavor, making the occasion feel extra special.

Storage Tips

Store these pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will keep for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to three months.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the strawberry cream cheese with other flavored cream cheeses or blend plain cream cheese with your favorite fruit preserves. The fresh strawberries can be replaced with blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches for a different twist. Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Serving Suggestions

These pastries pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt for breakfast. For an afternoon treat, serve with herbal tea or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter garnished with mint leaves for parties.

Cultural and Historical Context

Puff pastry has French origins dating back to the 17th century and is prized for its flaky texture created through layers of dough and butter. Combining it with cream cheese and fruit fillings is a popular approach in many Western desserts, symbolizing indulgence and celebration.

Pro Tips

Keep your puff pastry cold until just before assembling to ensure the best puff and flakiness. Be gentle when scoring the smaller heart shapes so you don’t cut through completely and lose the filling during baking. Chill the assembled pastries for 10 to 15 minutes before baking to help the layers set and bake evenly.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes these pastries flaky?

The flakiness comes from using puff pastry, which contains layers of butter and dough that puff up during baking, creating a light and crisp texture.

→ Can other fruits be used in the filling?

Yes, berries like blueberries or raspberries, and even peaches, can be swapped into the filling for a different flavor profile.

→ Why is scoring important when cutting the pastry?

Scoring the smaller heart inside the larger cut prevents the pastry from puffing up too much and helps the filling stay inside while baking.

→ How should the pastries be stored after baking?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days to maintain freshness.

→ What’s the best method to reheat these pastries?

Reheat gently in an oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to preserve crispness; microwaving is faster but may soften the pastry.

→ How can I enhance the flavor of the cream cheese filling?

Adding vanilla extract or a touch of lemon zest can brighten and deepen the flavor of the creamy strawberry filling.