Description
Strawberry Puff Pastry Hearts are a delightful and elegant treat perfect for any occasion. Made with flaky puff pastry filled with sweet strawberry jam, these adorable heart-shaped pastries are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection. Dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup strawberry jam or strawberry preserves
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases and ensure an even thickness for baking.
- Cut Out Shapes: Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many heart shapes as possible from the puff pastry, aiming for about 8-10 hearts depending on the size of your cutter.
- Arrange Base Hearts: Place half of the heart-shaped puff pastry pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Add Filling: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam or preserves onto the center of each heart on the baking sheet, leaving a small border around the edges to allow for sealing.
- Brush Edges: Lightly brush the edges of the puff pastry hearts with a small amount of water to help seal the top layer to the bottom layer.
- Top Hearts: Place the remaining heart-shaped pastry pieces on top of each jam-covered heart. Gently press around the edges to seal the two layers securely.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each pastry heart with the egg wash to promote a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake the pastry hearts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the puff pastry hearts to cool slightly on the sheet to firm up.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooled, dust the pastry hearts with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet and decorative touch.
Notes
- Ensure the edges are properly sealed to prevent the jam from leaking out during baking.
- You can substitute the strawberry jam with other fruit preserves such as raspberry or apricot for variation.
- For a dairy-free option, use egg substitute or omit the egg wash, although the golden color might be less pronounced.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If using frozen puff pastry, fully thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out.
