Name: Valentine’s Day Dessert: Puff Pastry Hearts – A Sweet Treat for Your Loved Ones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry; 1 tablespoon flour (for dusting); 1 egg (for egg wash); 4 oz cream cheese; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8-10 sliced strawberries; 2 tablespoons Nutella

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Looking for a quick and delightful dessert to make this Valentine’s Day? These Puff Pastry Hearts are a simple yet elegant treat that’s sure to impress. With their buttery, flaky layers and a touch of sweetness, these little hearts are the perfect way to say “I love you” without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a special dessert for your significant other, family, or friends, these puff pastry hearts are just what you need to make the day even sweeter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Puff Pastry Hearts are the perfect balance of light, crispy puff pastry and sweet filling. The best part? You can customize them with different fillings—whether it’s a creamy chocolate spread, raspberry jam, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and come together in just a few simple steps. They’re flaky, buttery, and so delicious that you might just want to make them all year round, not just for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients (partial list – full list below)

Puff pastry sheets
Raspberry jam (or your favorite jam)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Butter (for brushing)

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter or a knife, cut out heart shapes from the pastry. If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, simply cut the pastry into squares or rectangles for a fun variation.

Step 3: Add the Jam

Place a small spoonful of raspberry jam (or any other jam you like) in the center of half of the hearts. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam will spill out during baking.

Step 4: Top with a Second Heart

Take the remaining puff pastry hearts and place them on top of the jam-filled ones. Press down gently around the edges to seal them, making sure the jam doesn’t leak out.

Step 5: Brush with Butter

Brush the top of each heart with melted butter to help them brown beautifully while baking.

Step 6: Bake

Place the hearts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once they’re out of the oven, let the puff pastry hearts cool for a few minutes. Then, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Expert Tips and Tricks

If you want a touch of extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar on the puff pastry before baking for a warm, cozy vibe.
For a chocolate twist, spread Nutella or melted chocolate on the inside before sealing the hearts.
You can also use store-bought puff pastry for a shortcut—just make sure to thaw it according to package instructions.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the raspberry jam for strawberry, apricot, or peach jam for a different fruity flavor.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips inside the pastry for a fun texture.
For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter alternative and ensure the puff pastry is dairy-free.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Puff Pastry Hearts are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top. They also go great with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the puff pastry hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can also be reheated in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back their crispy texture.

4 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pastry?
Yes! While puff pastry is best for this recipe, you can use phyllo dough for a flakier texture or shortcrust pastry for a more buttery bite.

2. Can I freeze these Puff Pastry Hearts?
Yes! You can freeze the filled and assembled hearts before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer, and once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer (you may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time).

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can make the puff pastry hearts the day before and store them in an airtight container. Just dust with powdered sugar right before serving.

4. Can I use a different filling instead of jam?
Absolutely! Try using chocolate spread, cream cheese with a little sugar, or even lemon curd for a unique twist.

Conclusion

These Valentine’s Day Puff Pastry Hearts are the perfect dessert to show someone you care. They’re quick, easy to make, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re making them for a special someone or a group of friends, these heart-shaped treats will definitely bring a little sweetness to your celebration. With their flaky, buttery texture and sweet filling, they’re sure to steal the show this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy!

Valentine’s Day Dessert: Puff Pastry Hearts – A Sweet Treat for Your Loved Ones

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These elegant puff pastry hearts are filled with fresh whipped cream, sliced strawberries, and drizzled with Nutella, making them a delightful treat for Valentine’s Day.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry Hearts:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, fold the puff pastry sheet in half and gently press or roll the sheets together.
- Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes in the dough.
- Prick the tops of the hearts with a fork and lightly brush with an egg wash.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling:
- In a cold mixing bowl, cream together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until combined.
- Add the heavy whipping cream and beat on medium for 2-3 minutes or until stiff peaks form.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
Assemble the Puff Pastry Hearts:
- Once the puff pastry hearts have cooled, slice them in half horizontally.
- Pipe or spread the whipped cream onto one side of each heart.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream.
- Place the other half of the puff pastry heart on top.
- Lightly dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with warmed Nutella.

Notes

For a smoother Nutella drizzle, warm it in the microwave for 30 seconds before using.
These puff pastry hearts are best served immediately to maintain their crispness.