Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sugar if you prefer a sweeter filling.1/2 cup cream cheese, softened, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. If the dough is very thick, you can gently roll it out slightly to make it a bit thinner, but avoid overworking it. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer, but hearts are perfect for this recipe!), cut out as many shapes as you can from the puff pastry. You should aim for about 8-10 shapes depending on your cutter size.1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- For each pastry heart, gently score a border about 1/2 inch from the edge using the tip of a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut all the way through the pastry. This border will puff up significantly, creating a lovely edge to hold the filling.
- Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each scored pastry heart, spreading it evenly within the scored border.1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- Arrange the sliced strawberries attractively over the cream cheese filling. Overlapping them slightly can create a beautiful presentation.1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Lightly brush the scored edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden-brown sheen as it bakes.1 large egg, beaten
- Carefully transfer the prepared pastry hearts to the lined baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed, and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them as puff pastry can bake quickly.
- Once baked, remove the Easy Puff Pastry Strawberry Hearts from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.powdered sugar, fresh mint leaves
Notes
Best enjoyed the day they are made. If refrigerated, stay fresh for up to 2 days. Gently warm to restore crispness.
