Puff Pastry Hearts are delightful little treats that are flaky and buttery. They’re perfect for special occasions or just to show someone you care—who can resist heart-shaped goodies?
I love making these for surprises; they puff up beautifully and taste amazing with just a sprinkle of sugar. Plus, they’re so easy! Just cut, bake, and eat. What’s not to love? ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! Store-bought puff pastry saves time, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free puff pastry at specialty stores.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This ingredient gives a rich, creamy taste. If you’re looking for lighter options, you can use whipped topping or Greek yogurt, but they won’t be as luxurious.
Powdered Sugar: This is used for sweetening the whipped cream and dusting. If you have granulated sugar, you can blend it into a powder using a blender or food processor.
Fresh Strawberries: These are optional but add a fresh touch. You can swap them out for raspberries or blueberries if those are more your style!
How Do I Ensure My Puff Pastry Puffs Perfectly?
The key to beautifully puffed pastry is handling it gently and keeping it cold. Here are some steps to ensure great results:
- Keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. Warm pastry won’t puff as well.
- Avoid overworking the dough when rolling it out. Just smooth it out enough to cut your shapes.
- Make sure to use a sharp cookie cutter for clean edges. Dull edges can seal the pastry and prevent it from puffing.
- Bake on parchment paper to prevent sticking and to allow for even heat distribution.
Following these tips will help you achieve light, airy, and perfectly puffed pastry hearts that are sure to impress!
How to Make Puff Pastry Hearts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries, for serving (optional)
- Flour, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of bake time. Including cooling time, you should plan for about 40 minutes in total before they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help the puff pastry become nice and crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the pastries don’t stick while baking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Lightly flour your work surface to keep the pastry from sticking. Roll out your puff pastry sheet gently to smooth any creases and make it a little larger. This makes it easier to cut out shapes.
3. Cut Out Heart Shapes:
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes from the pastry. You’ll want two hearts per pastry “sandwich” (one for the top and one for the bottom).
4. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange the heart shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about an inch apart so they have room to puff up in the oven.
5. Bake the Pastry Hearts:
Put your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the hearts to be golden brown and puffed up nicely.
6. Whip the Cream:
While the pastry is baking, whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until you achieve soft peaks. This creamy filling will add a delicious richness to your hearts.
7. Cool and Slice:
Once the puff pastry hearts are golden and baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. After cooling, carefully slice each heart in half horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
8. Fill with Whipped Cream:
On the bottom halves of the hearts, pipe or spoon a dollop of the whipped cream. Be generous—this is the yummy part!
9. Assemble the Hearts:
Gently place the top halves over the creamy filling to complete your pastries.
10. Dust and Serve:
Finally, give your Puff Pastry Hearts a light dusting with powdered sugar before serving. Pair them with fresh strawberries if you like for a colorful touch!
Enjoy these light, flaky, and sweet Puff Pastry Hearts with a bit of creamy richness — perfect for a special occasion or a cozy treat!
Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely before rolling it out.
How Do I Store Leftover Puff Pastry Hearts?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the unbaked hearts before adding the cream, then bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Whipping Cream?
If you don’t have heavy whipping cream on hand, you can use whipped topping as a lighter alternative. For a dairy-free option, consider coconut cream, which will give a nice flavor and texture!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the puff pastry hearts in advance and store them unbaked in the freezer. Bake them right before serving for that fresh, flaky goodness. The whipped cream can also be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge, just give it a quick stir before using!