When it comes to creating desserts that wow both the eyes and the taste buds, these Sweetheart Pastries take the crown. They’re simple to prepare yet elegant enough to brighten any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for Valentine’s Day, a cozy afternoon tea, or a last-minute indulgence, these pastries will deliver both charm and flavor.
The secret to their irresistible texture is the buttery puff pastry, which bakes up light, crisp, and golden. Combine that with a luscious filling of your favorite jam, and you’ve got a treat that’s delightfully sweet, with just the right hint of tartness. These heart-shaped pastries aren’t just delicious—they’re also a fun baking project that kids can help with, making them perfect for family bonding in the kitchen.
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s completely customizable. Swap out the filling to suit your taste, or add creative toppings to make each batch uniquely yours. Plus, with only a few ingredients and minimal prep, these pastries are a fantastic go-to when you need something impressive but don’t have hours to spare.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup of strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite jam
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a large heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut an even number of hearts. Then, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the center of half of them.
- Assemble the pastries: Place the solid hearts on a baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of jam onto the center of each, spreading it slightly while leaving a border around the edges.
- Seal the edges: Lay the cut-out hearts over the jam-filled ones. Gently press the edges together, then use a fork to crimp them for a decorative seal.
- Add the egg wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and serve: Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can dust it with powdered sugar.
Prep Time, Portions, and Calories
- Prep Time: These Sweetheart Pastries take about 10 minutes to assemble.
- Bake Time: They’ll need 15-18 minutes in the oven.
- Portions: This recipe yields approximately 10 pastries, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
- Calories: Each pastry is roughly 180 calories, depending on the type and amount of jam used.
Serving Ideas and Customizations
- Serve these pastries warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added decadence.
- Switch up the filling with Nutella, peanut butter, or lemon curd for a unique twist.
- For a savory variation, fill the pastries with cream cheese, spinach, or ham and cheese!
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though they rarely last!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to refresh their crispness.
These Sweetheart Pastries are a little slice of heaven in every bite. Their charming appearance makes them perfect for festive occasions, but their easy prep means you can whip them up anytime a craving strikes. They’re the kind of treat that brings joy to both the baker and the lucky ones who get to enjoy them.
So, the next time you want to add a touch of love to your baking, give these puff pastry hearts a try. They’re proof that good things come in small, heart-shaped packages!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup of strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite jam
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a large heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut an even number of hearts. Then, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter to cut out the center of half of them.
- Assemble the pastries: Place the solid hearts on a baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of jam onto the center of each, spreading it slightly while leaving a border around the edges.
- Seal the edges: Lay the cut-out hearts over the jam-filled ones. Gently press the edges together, then use a fork to crimp them for a decorative seal.
- Add the egg wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to create a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and serve: Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can dust it with powdered sugar.