Puff Pastry Hearts are light, flaky delights perfect for any occasion! These cute little treats are made from buttery puff pastry and can be filled with yummy jams or chocolate.
They’re super easy to make, and you’ll feel like a fancy chef with minimal effort! I love serving them at parties, and watching everyone smile when they take a bite is just the best! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is convenient and delivers great results. If you’re out of puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough, though the texture will be different—crispier and flakier! I find that good-quality frozen pastry makes a world of difference in taste.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This adds richness to your whipped filling. If you need a lighter option, try using half-and-half instead, but be aware that it won’t whip up as nicely.
Powdered Sugar: This sugar helps sweeten the cream and adds that perfect dusting on top. If you want a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but the sweetness might vary.
Strawberry Jam: While it adds a fruity flavor, you could substitute it with any fruit preserve, like raspberry or apricot. I often switch this up based on what I have in my pantry!
How Do You Get Perfectly Puffed Pastry Hearts?
The key to achieving beautifully puffed pastry lies in how you handle it. Here are some simple steps:
- Make sure your puff pastry is thoroughly thawed but still cold. A cold pastry puffs better.
- Don’t overwork the dough; just roll it out gently. Keep it light to allow the layers to remain intact.
- Brush the edges with the egg wash carefully—it helps the hearts stick together without oozing filling.
- Bake the hearts until they’re golden brown and fully puffed. Keep an eye on them, as oven temps can vary.
Following these tips will help you create perfect puff pastry hearts that impress everyone! Enjoy making this delightful treat! 🍓
How to Make Puff Pastry Hearts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves (optional for filling)
- Fresh strawberries, halved, for garnish
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these delightful puff pastry hearts will take you about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need to bake them for 12-15 minutes. After baking, allow them to cool completely, which usually takes about 10 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. Simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping for Baking:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the hearts not stick while they bake!
2. Cutting Out the Hearts:
Take your thawed puff pastry sheet and place it on a lightly floured surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as you can. Remember to keep the pastry cold for the best results!
3. Assembling the Hearts:
Now, place half of the heart cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the edges lightly with a beaten egg. This will help the layers stick together nicely. If you’re using strawberry jam, now’s the time to spread a small dollop on these hearts!
4. Sealing the Layers:
Take the remaining puff pastry hearts and place them on top of the jam-covered hearts. Gently press the edges to seal them—this will keep the filling inside while baking!
5. Egg Wash for Golden Color:
Brush the tops of all the puff pastry hearts with the beaten egg. This gives them a beautiful golden finish when baked!
6. Baking Time!
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the hearts bake for 12-15 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown. When they’re ready, take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Whipping Up the Cream:
While your pastry hearts are cooling, it’s time to whip the cream! In a bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip it until you get soft, fluffy peaks—this is going to be the delicious filling!
8. Assembling the Final Treat:
Once the puff pastry hearts are cool, gently slice them in half horizontally. Pipe or spoon your whipped cream onto the bottom half of each heart, then place the top half back on.
9. Adding the Finishing Touches:
Finally, dust the assembled puff pastry hearts with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve them with halved fresh strawberries on the side for a lovely presentation!
Enjoy these flaky, sweet puff pastry hearts that are perfect for a romantic treat or a fancy dessert! They’re sure to wow your guests—or even just make any day feel special! ❤️
Can I Use Different Flavors of Jam?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam adds a lovely flavor, feel free to experiment with other jams or preserves like raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a different twist. The choice is yours!
What If I Don’t Have a Heart-Shaped Cutter?
No worries! You can use a regular round cookie cutter or even cut the pastry into squares or triangles. Just make sure to keep the same size for both pieces to fill and top!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the puffiness, it’s best to eat them fresh, but if you must store them, just remember they’ll be a bit softer!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the puff pastry hearts and fill them with whipped cream a few hours in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, but it’s best to add powdered sugar right before serving for a fresh look!
