Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dessert to treat your loved ones, you’ve got to try these Puff Pastry Hearts! They’re flaky, buttery, and just the right balance of sweet, with a touch of cinnamon and sugar that’ll make anyone swoon. Plus, they come together in no time—perfect for last-minute Valentine’s Day plans or simply when you want to show someone a little extra love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you love puff pastry (who doesn’t?), you’re going to be head over heels for these little hearts. Not only do they look beautiful and festive, but they taste absolutely divine. The crispy layers of puff pastry melt in your mouth, and the sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar gives them the perfect amount of sweetness without being overwhelming. They’re so easy to make, and they give off the kind of “I spent hours in the kitchen” vibe, even though you can whip them up in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already, but don’t worry, I’ve got the full list below so you can get everything ready. Here’s a sneak peek:
- Puff pastry (store-bought for ease!)
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
- Egg wash (egg + water)
For the full list of ingredients, keep reading below.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot so your puff pastry gets perfectly golden and crispy.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lay out your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. You can use a rolling pin to roll it out a bit if it’s not quite large enough. Once it’s rolled out, you’ll want to gently press the dough with your fingers to smooth it out, making sure it’s even.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
Now for the fun part! In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar—this is the secret to that warm, cozy sweetness that takes these hearts over the top. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the puff pastry, making sure it’s even. You can even press it lightly with your hands to help it stick.
Step 4: Cut Into Hearts
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or even just a sharp knife), cut out heart shapes from the puff pastry. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly symmetrical—this isn’t about perfection; it’s about deliciousness. Transfer each heart shape onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
To give your hearts a beautiful golden finish, brush each heart with a simple egg wash (just an egg beaten with a little water). This will give them that gorgeous shine when they bake. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the pastry is puffed up.
Step 6: Let Cool and Serve
Once they’re baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. If you’d like, you can sprinkle a little extra sugar on top for a sweet finish. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and watch your loved ones swoon.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For a fun twist, you can add a little drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce once the puff pastries have cooled. It adds a decadent touch and takes these hearts to a whole new level.
- If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, no worries! You can always use a knife to cut the puff pastry into squares or rectangles for a more rustic look.
- To ensure the puff pastry puffs up nicely, be sure to give the dough some room on the baking sheet. They’ll need space to expand without touching one another.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Fruit Filling: If you want to get a little fancy, try adding a layer of fruit preserves (like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot) in between the puff pastry before baking. Just be careful not to overfill, as the pastry may burst.
- Spices: Want to try something different than cinnamon? Nutmeg or cardamom would be lovely substitutions for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Lovers: Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate between the puff pastry layers before baking for a chocolate-filled version of this treat!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Puff Pastry Hearts are perfect for any Valentine’s Day celebration. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle them with a bit of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, or even a glass of bubbly champagne to make your Valentine’s celebration feel extra special.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While these puff pastry hearts are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, they’ll keep for a day or two if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to reheat them, pop them back into the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to warm them up and bring back that crispiness.
4 FAQs
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep them up to the point of baking, then store them in the fridge for a couple of hours. When you’re ready, just bake them as directed! - Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely! If you’re up for the challenge, homemade puff pastry will work just as well. - Can I add frosting to these hearts?
For sure! A simple glaze or icing can be drizzled over the top once the pastries are cooled for an extra sweet touch. - Can I freeze these puff pastry hearts?
You can freeze the raw puff pastry hearts (before baking) for up to a month. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Conclusion
These Puff Pastry Hearts are the perfect Valentine’s Day treat—simple, stunning, and full of flavor. Whether you’re surprising your partner, hosting a romantic dinner, or just treating yourself, these hearts will definitely hit the spot. The combination of flaky pastry and sweet cinnamon is unbeatable, and with a few little tweaks, you can make them truly your own. So why not give them a try? They’re sure to make your Valentine’s Day even more special. Enjoy!
Valentine’s Day Dessert: Puff Pastry Hearts – Sprinkle of This
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French
Description
These easy-to-make Puff Pastry Hearts are the perfect sweet treat for Valentine’s Day! With a flaky, buttery crust and a sprinkle of sugar, they’re simple yet elegant. Whether you’re celebrating with your partner, friends, or family, these adorable heart-shaped pastries are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the entire surface of the pastry. If using, also sprinkle the cinnamon for added flavor.
- Fold the edges of the pastry towards the center to create a long rectangular shape.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Twist each strip into a spiral, then form each strip into a heart shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Beat together the egg and milk to make an egg wash, and brush the pastry hearts lightly with the mixture for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Let the puff pastry hearts cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a more indulgent treat, drizzle the baked hearts with melted chocolate or a simple glaze.
- You can make these ahead of time and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry heart
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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