Puff Pastry Cream Cheese Hearts Recipe
Delight in these flaky Danish pastries filled with smooth cream cheese and juicy cherries, perfect for a sweet breakfast or elegant dessert. Crisp golden layers of puff pastry encase a creamy and fruity center, topped with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pastries
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup frozen cherries, thawed and drained
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, smoothing the edges. Cut the sheet into 8 equal squares and set aside any leftover pastry for decoration if desired.
- Assemble Pastries: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Add a few thawed cherries on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Shape Pastries: Fold the corners of each square toward the center, slightly overlapping to form a pinwheel or diamond shape. Press lightly to seal edges. Optionally, use leftover pastry to create decorative leaf shapes and attach them on top.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the edges and tops of the pastries to give them a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the assembled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the pastries cool on a rack for 5 minutes to set. Dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold for easier handling and best puff.
- Frozen cherries should be well drained and patted dry to avoid soggy pastry.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Decorative pastry leaves can be brushed with egg wash and sprinkled with sugar for extra sparkle.
- Serve warm for the best texture; leftovers can be reheated briefly in the oven.
