Strawberry Cream Cheese Hearts

A Love Letter in Puff Pastry Form

Valentine’s Day morning five years ago, I woke up early with a mission: to create the most romantic breakfast surprise for my partner. I wanted something that looked impressive but wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen all morning. That’s when I discovered the magic of these Strawberry Cream Cheese Hearts. The combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy filling, and sweet strawberry jam created heart-shaped pastries that were almost too pretty to eat. Almost. The look on my partner’s face when I presented a plate of these golden, glistening hearts made every minute of preparation worthwhile.

Since that memorable morning, these strawberry cream cheese hearts have become a tradition in our home—not just for Valentine’s Day, but for anniversaries, birthdays, or whenever we want to add a little romance to an ordinary day. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. Despite their elegant appearance, these cream cheese heart pastries come together quickly and easily, making them perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners looking to create something special.

Why These Strawberry Cream Cheese Hearts Are Irresistible

The beauty of these strawberry cream cheese hearts lies in their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The puff pastry provides countless flaky, buttery layers that shatter delightfully with each bite. The cream cheese filling adds richness and tang, while the strawberry jam brings fruity sweetness that ties everything together. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds visual appeal and a touch of extra sweetness.

What I’ve discovered through making these cream cheese heart pastries countless times is that they work equally well for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or afternoon tea. They’re fancy enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weekend mornings. The heart shape makes them inherently romantic, but you can use different shapes for various occasions throughout the year.

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Hearts

Creating these beautiful strawberry cream cheese hearts requires just a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pastries:

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 1/2 cup high-quality strawberry jam or preserves
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Optional Add-ins:

• Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh mint leaves (for decoration)
• White chocolate drizzle (for extra indulgence)

  

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Hearts

Preparing Your Workspace and Ingredients

Begin by ensuring all your ingredients are at the proper temperature. The cream cheese should be soft enough to mix smoothly but not melted. Remove your puff pastry from the freezer about 40 minutes before you plan to work with it—it should be cold but pliable.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Having everything ready before you start working with the pastry is crucial, as puff pastry works best when kept cold.

Making the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, beating until well combined and creamy. The lemon zest adds a bright note that complements the strawberry jam beautifully. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the pastry.

Cutting and Shaping the Hearts

Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it out to smooth any creases and create a slightly larger rectangle, about 10×12 inches. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (approximately 3-4 inches), cut out as many hearts as possible. You should get about 8-10 hearts per sheet. Gather the scraps, re-roll once, and cut additional hearts.

Transfer half of the heart shapes to your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These will be your bases. The remaining hearts will become the tops.

Creating the Heart Windows

For the top hearts, use a smaller heart-shaped cutter (about 1.5-2 inches) to cut out the centers, creating a frame. These cutout centers can be baked separately as mini treats. This window allows the beautiful cream cheese filling and strawberry jam to show through, creating that stunning visual appeal.

Assembling the Strawberry Cream Cheese Hearts

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each base heart, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Add about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese, spreading it gently but not quite to the edges.

Brush the exposed edges of each base heart with the beaten egg. Carefully place a heart frame on top of each filled base, pressing gently around the edges to seal. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges decoratively, which both seals the pastry and adds visual interest.

Baking the Cream Cheese Heart Pastries

Brush the top of each assembled heart with the egg wash, being careful not to let it pool in the center. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for a beautiful sparkle and slight crunch. The egg wash ensures that golden, glossy finish that makes these strawberry cream cheese hearts so visually appealing.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden brown. The pastry should sound hollow when tapped lightly. If the centers are browning too quickly, you can tent them loosely with aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Cooling and Finishing

Remove the cream cheese heart pastries from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief resting period allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier to handle.

Once completely cool, dust generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. For an extra special presentation, you can add sliced fresh strawberries and mint leaves just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 heart pastry):

• Calories: 285
• Total Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 195mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 4g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.

Presentation Ideas for Strawberry Cream Cheese Hearts

The inherent beauty of these strawberry cream cheese hearts makes them naturally photogenic, but here are some ways to elevate your presentation:

For Breakfast or Brunch: Arrange the hearts on a white serving platter with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries scattered around them. Add a small bowl of extra strawberry jam and perhaps some whipped cream on the side.

For Afternoon Tea: Create a tiered presentation with these cream cheese heart pastries on the top tier, small sandwiches on the middle, and scones on the bottom. Serve with hot tea in delicate china cups.

For Valentine’s Day: Place each heart on a small individual plate with a dusting of powdered sugar and a fresh rose petal for an ultra-romantic presentation. Drizzle the plate with a bit of strawberry sauce for professional flair.

Gift Packaging: These pastries make wonderful gifts. Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or arrange them in a decorative box lined with parchment paper.

Beverage Pairings for Cream Cheese Heart Pastries

These strawberry cream cheese hearts pair beautifully with various beverages:

Coffee and Tea:

• Cappuccino or latte: The milk balances the sweetness
• Earl Grey tea: Bergamot notes complement the strawberry
• Chamomile tea: Light and floral, doesn’t compete with the pastry
• French press coffee: Bold enough to stand up to the rich filling

Special Occasion Drinks:

• Champagne or Prosecco: Perfect for romantic breakfasts
• Strawberry mimosas: Echo the strawberry flavor
• Rose wine: Light and romantic
• Sparkling rosé lemonade: For a non-alcoholic special occasion drink

For Brunch:

• Freshly squeezed orange juice
• Berry smoothies
• Iced vanilla latte

Recipe Variations and Creative Twists

Flavor Variations for Cream Cheese Heart Pastries

Berry Options:

• Raspberry Cream Cheese Hearts: Substitute raspberry jam for strawberry
• Mixed Berry Hearts: Use a combination of strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry jam
• Blackberry Lemon Hearts: Blackberry jam with extra lemon zest in the filling
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Hearts: Use blueberry preserves

Chocolate Variations:

• Chocolate Hazelnut Hearts: Replace strawberry jam with Nutella or chocolate spread
• White Chocolate Strawberry Hearts: Add white chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling
• Dark Chocolate Raspberry Hearts: Use raspberry jam with dark chocolate shavings mixed into the cream cheese

Citrus Twists:

• Lemon Cream Hearts: Use lemon curd instead of strawberry jam
• Orange Cream Hearts: Orange marmalade with orange zest in the filling
• Key Lime Hearts: Key lime curd filling

Seasonal Variations:

• Pumpkin Spice Hearts (Fall): Pumpkin butter with cinnamon cream cheese
• Apple Cinnamon Hearts (Fall): Apple butter with cinnamon and nutmeg
• Cranberry Orange Hearts (Winter): Cranberry sauce with orange zest
• Peach Hearts (Summer): Peach preserves with almond extract

Shape and Size Options

While hearts are perfect for Valentine’s Day, you can use this same technique with different cookie cutters for other occasions:

• Flowers for Mother’s Day or spring
• Stars for patriotic holidays
• Snowflakes for winter
• Circles or squares for everyday treats
• Mini versions for party appetizers

Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies

Fresh Storage

These strawberry cream cheese hearts are best enjoyed the day they’re made, while the pastry is at its crispest. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The pastry will soften slightly, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Refrigeration

If your kitchen is very warm or if you need to store them longer, refrigerate the cream cheese heart pastries in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving, or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the pastry.

Freezing Options

Unbaked Pastries: These freeze beautifully unbaked. Assemble completely but don’t apply egg wash. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, apply egg wash and bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

Baked Pastries: Fully baked pastries can also be frozen, though the texture won’t be quite as crisp. Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw and warm in the oven before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

The cream cheese filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also cut out the pastry shapes the night before, layer them between parchment paper, and refrigerate until ready to assemble and bake in the morning.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Soggy Bottoms: Don’t overfill the pastries—too much filling will leak and make the bottom soggy. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking.

Pastry Won’t Puff: If you overwork or roll the puff pastry too thin, it won’t puff properly. Handle it gently and keep it cold while working.

Filling Leaks Out: Make sure to leave adequate borders and seal the edges well with egg wash. Crimping with a fork helps create a secure seal.

Uneven Browning: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even color. If the tops brown before the bottoms are done, reduce oven temperature slightly.

Pastry Shrinks: Always let puff pastry rest for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator after cutting shapes and before baking to prevent excessive shrinkage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cream Cheese Hearts

Can I use homemade puff pastry? A: Absolutely! If you’re an experienced baker and want to make your own puff pastry, it will be even more delicious. However, store-bought works wonderfully and saves significant time.

What’s the best brand of puff pastry? A: I prefer Pepperidge Farm or Dufour brand. Look for all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor, though vegetable shortening versions work fine too.

Can I make these without a heart-shaped cutter? A: Yes! You can use any shape cutter, or even make them as rectangles or squares with a smaller shape cut from the center.

Why did my pastry burn? A: Oven temperatures vary. If your pastry browns too quickly, reduce the temperature to 375°F and increase baking time slightly.

Can I make these vegan? A: Yes, use vegan puff pastry (many brands are accidentally vegan), dairy-free cream cheese, and brush with plant-based milk instead of egg wash.

What if I don’t have a small cutter for the window? A: You can use a shot glass or small jar lid, or simply make traditional hand pies without the window, which are equally delicious.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam? A: Fresh strawberries release too much moisture during baking. Jam or preserves works best, though you can add sliced fresh strawberries as a garnish after baking.

Q: How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting? A: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, and make sure the pastries are completely cool first.

Conclusion: Your Go-To Recipe for Strawberry Cream Cheese Hearts

These strawberry cream cheese hearts have earned a permanent place in my baking repertoire, and I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too. They represent everything I love about baking: they’re beautiful, delicious, impressive yet approachable, and they make people smile.

Whether you’re creating a romantic breakfast for two, hosting a bridal shower, celebrating Valentine’s Day, or simply want to brighten someone’s day, these cream cheese heart pastries deliver on every level. The combination of buttery, flaky pastry with creamy, tangy filling and sweet strawberry jam creates a flavor experience that’s both comforting and special.

What makes this recipe particularly wonderful is its adaptability. Once you master the basic technique, you can customize these strawberry cream cheese hearts endlessly with different jams, fillings, shapes, and sizes. They’re a canvas for your creativity, a way to show love through baking.

The joy these pastries bring goes beyond just their taste. There’s something magical about presenting someone with a plate of homemade, heart-shaped treats. It says “I took time for you,” “You’re special,” and “I care” in the most delicious way possible.

My Personal Cooking Tip

Here’s my secret for the flakiest, most beautiful strawberry cream cheese hearts: keep everything cold and work quickly. I like to chill my rolling pin and work surface before I begin, and if the pastry starts feeling too soft while I’m working with it, I pop it back in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Cold puff pastry creates distinct layers and better puffing. Also, don’t skip the egg wash—it’s what gives these cream cheese heart pastries that gorgeous, glossy, golden finish that makes them look professionally made. Finally, invest in quality strawberry jam or preserves—it’s a star ingredient here, and using a delicious, real-fruit jam makes a noticeable difference. I prefer jams with visible fruit pieces for both flavor and visual appeal. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell like butter and love!

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