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Cheese and Strawberry Heart Pastries Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 pastries

Description

Delight in these charming Cheese Breakfast Pastries featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese, strawberry jam, and fresh diced strawberries. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, these heart-shaped pastries are an elegant and tasty way to start any morning.

Ingredients

Puff Pastry

  • 1 (8.6 oz) sheet puff pastry

Filling

  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp strawberry jam
  • 1 drop red food coloring (or beet powder), optional
  • 2/3 cup very small diced strawberries

Glaze and Garnish

  • 1 large egg, whisked with 1 Tbsp water
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Thaw Pastry: Start by thawing the puff pastry sheet according to the package instructions. Halfway through the thawing process, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature.
  2. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, strawberry jam, and optional red food coloring. Use a rubber spatula to press the mixture against the bottom and sides of the bowl to remove lumps and achieve a smooth consistency. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator or flash chill in the freezer until ready to use so it is not runny.
  3. Cut Pastry Shapes: Once thawed, roll out the puff pastry sheet and use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many heart shapes as possible, placing the cutter close together to maximize usage.
  4. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner or parchment paper. Transfer the puff pastry hearts onto the sheet, leaving about 1 1/2 inches of space between each one to allow for expansion during baking.
  5. Score Hearts: Using a sharp paring knife, lightly score a smaller heart shape inside each pastry heart about 1/3-inch from the edge. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom to create a border that will hold the filling.
  6. Fill Pastries: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, spreading it outward toward the edges but leaving the 1/3-inch border clear. Then evenly distribute the very small diced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling without covering the border.
  7. Brush Edges: Lightly brush the 1/3-inch border of each pastry with the egg and water wash to help achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
  8. Bake Pastries: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 15 minutes or until the edges of the pastries turn golden brown and puff up beautifully.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Serve these pastries the same day they are prepared for the best freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Thaw the puff pastry completely but do not let it become too soft or sticky to handle.
  • The red food coloring is optional and can be substituted with beet powder for a natural pink hue.
  • Use very small diced strawberries to ensure even distribution and ease of spreading on the pastry.
  • Be sure not to cut through the bottom layer while scoring the hearts to keep the filling contained.
  • Serve these pastries fresh; they are best enjoyed the same day they are baked.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saracooking.com/cheese-and-strawberry-heart-pastries-recipe/