Description
These delightful Cheese Pastries combine flaky puff pastry with a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling topped with a luscious mixed berry compote. Perfect as a sweet breakfast treat or a light dessert, they offer a beautiful balance of tart and sweet flavors with a crisp golden crust.
Ingredients
Berry Compote
- 1 cup mixed berries (frozen)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
- 5 oz cream cheese (full fat, softened)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Pastry
- 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry dough
- Milk (for brushing edges, quantity as needed)
- Turbinado sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Cook berries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the frozen mixed berries and 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Cook gently until the sugar dissolves and the berries release their juices to form a syrupy mixture. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the pastries.
- Prepare puff pastry: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, unroll the puff pastry sheet and press it flat gently with your hands or a rolling pin. Using a 3.2-inch round cookie cutter, cut 12 circles from the dough. Then, take a smaller 2.2-inch round cutter and press into each circle, making a shallow indentation without cutting all the way through. This will create a raised border for the filling.
- Make cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble pastries: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread about 1½ tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly inside the smaller indentations of each puff pastry circle. Then using a slotted spoon, carefully place approximately 1 tablespoon of the cooled berry compote on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Brush edges and add sugar (optional): Gently brush the exposed edges of the larger outer circle with a thin layer of milk to help achieve a golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle with turbinado sugar for added crunch and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry edges are puffed and golden brown and the bottoms are fully cooked.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Before serving, optionally dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish and added sweetness.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Using frozen berries is convenient, but fresh berries can also be substituted when in season.
- Be careful not to cut through the puff pastry completely when making the indentation to allow the filling to stay contained within the border.
- Brush the edges lightly with milk or an egg wash for a more pronounced golden color and shine.
- Allow the pastries to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent it from melting.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American