I love little treats that feel fancy but come together in minutes. These puff pastry hearts are one of those. They bake up flaky and golden. The centers hide sweet jam. They warm the kitchen and the heart. I often serve them with a big pot of coffee and a plate of berry puff twists for a fun brunch spread.
why make this recipe
This recipe is simple. It uses one sheet of store-bought puff pastry. That saves time. Kids can help cut shapes and spoon the jam. You get buttery layers and a glossy finish from an egg wash. They look special, even when you make them on a weekday. If you like little hand pies, you might also enjoy the savory bite of leftover mashed potato cheese puffs alongside them.
how to make Puff Pastry Hearts
Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry, Fruit preserves of your choice (e.g., raspberry, strawberry, apricot), 1 egg (for egg wash), Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place half of the heart shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spoon a small amount of fruit preserves onto the center of each heart.
- Place the remaining heart shapes on top and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
If you want extra charm, make tiny vents with the tip of a knife before the egg wash. I also like to tuck a small spoonful of a contrasting jam into the center. For a playful twist, try folding some of the hearts into crescent shapes like my berry puff twists — the technique is similar and just as fun.
how to serve Puff Pastry Hearts
Serve them warm. They go great with coffee or tea. Stack them on a small cake stand for a pretty table. Add fresh berries for color. A light dusting of powdered sugar finishes them like a little gift.
how to store Puff Pastry Hearts
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. After that, they lose some crispness. To keep them longer, freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm to revive the flakiness. If you made a lot, these pair nicely with savory snacks like leftover mashed potato cheese puffs for a balanced spread.
tips to make Puff Pastry Hearts
- Keep the puff pastry cold. Work quickly so the butter stays solid.
- Use a scant spoonful of jam. Too much will leak while baking.
- Press the edges well with a fork to seal. That helps keep the filling inside.
- Brush with egg wash for shine and color.
- If the tops brown too fast, tent with foil for the last few minutes.
variation (if any)
- Use chocolate spread instead of jam for a rich filling.
- Make mini hearts for bite-sized parties.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking for extra crunch.
- For a brunch twist, tuck a small piece of cream cheese under the jam for tangy richness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen puff pastry?
A: Yes. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Work with it while it’s still cold for best results.
Q: My jam leaked out. What did I do wrong?
A: You likely used too much filling or didn’t seal the edges well. Use less jam and press the edges firmly with a fork.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: You can assemble them ahead and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze assembled hearts on a tray and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
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Puff Pastry Hearts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky and golden puff pastry hearts filled with sweet jam, perfect for brunch or a special treat.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- Fruit preserves of your choice (e.g., raspberry, strawberry, apricot)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place half of the heart shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spoon a small amount of fruit preserves onto the center of each heart.
- Place the remaining heart shapes on top and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For extra charm, make tiny vents with the tip of a knife before the egg wash. Keep the puff pastry cold and work quickly to maintain the butter’s solidity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: puff pastry, desserts, treats, brunch, easy recipes, hearts
