Budget-Friendly Puff Pastry Hearts with Cream Cheese & Jam

As a mom of three, I know how busy life can get, especially when you’re juggling family, work, and everything in between. But that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak in a little sweetness every now and then. These Budget-Friendly Puff Pastry Hearts with Cream Cheese & Jam are the perfect quick treat for my family when we need a little something special without spending too much time or money. They’re so easy to whip up, and everyone loves them! Plus, you can make them with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, which makes them even more appealing when you’re trying to keep things simple.

What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use any jam you have on hand, strawberry, raspberry, or whatever’s your favorite. And, because they’re made with puff pastry, they’re flaky and buttery, giving them that homemade touch that feels indulgent but doesn’t require hours of effort. It’s the kind of treat that makes me feel like a baking genius, even though it only takes 35 minutes from start to finish! The cream cheese filling adds that perfect creamy touch, balancing out the sweetness of the jam. Seriously, it’s a win-win for both the kids and me.

The best part? This recipe is easy on the wallet. I’m always looking for budget-friendly options for our family, and these Puff Pastry Hearts tick all the boxes. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just a few simple items, and you’ve got a delicious dessert ready to go. Whether we’re having a special treat after dinner or I’m just looking to add a little extra joy to the day, these little hearts never disappoint. Plus, they’re a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet (about 8 oz or 225 grams) puff pastry, thawed: Start with a sheet of puff pastry, thawed and ready to create those flaky, buttery layers.

• 4 oz (or about 113 grams) cream cheese, softened: Softened cream cheese gives the filling a smooth, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the pastry.

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Add a touch of sweetness with granulated sugar, balancing the flavors in the cream cheese mixture.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cream cheese filling, making it extra delicious.

• 1/4 cup raspberry or strawberry jam: Choose your favorite jam, whether raspberry or strawberry, for a fruity burst that complements the cream cheese beautifully.

• 1 egg, beaten, for the egg wash: A beaten egg brushed over the edges gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish once baked.

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): Finish off with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet touch.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

3. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out heart shapes, or create a stencil from cardboard and cut the shapes with that.

4. Place the heart-shaped pastry pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.

5. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each pastry heart, making sure to leave a small border around the edges.

6. Spoon a dollop of raspberry or strawberry jam onto each heart, and gently swirl the jam with a toothpick or the back of a spoon to create a marble effect (optional).

7. Brush the edges of the pastries with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

9. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the pastries cool on a wire rack.

10. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Top Tips

• Use Cold Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold when you work with it. This helps maintain its flaky texture while baking.

• Don’t Overfill: When adding the cream cheese filling and jam, be careful not to overfill the pastry hearts. Leave a small border around the edges to avoid spills while baking.

• Seal the Edges: If you’re worried about the cream cheese or jam spilling out, gently press the edges of the pastry with a fork to seal them before baking.

• Use a Sharp Knife for Clean Cuts: If you’re cutting out the hearts by hand instead of using a cookie cutter, make sure to use a sharp knife for clean, even cuts to avoid uneven shapes.

• Add a Jam Swirl for Extra Style: Swirl the jam into the cream cheese filling with a toothpick for a pretty marble effect that looks as good as it tastes!

• Brush the Edges for a Golden Finish: Brushing the pastry edges with the beaten egg ensures a beautiful, golden finish when baked.

• Chill the Pastry Before Baking: If you have time, chill the pastry hearts in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps the puff pastry rise even more during baking.

• Customize with Different Jams: Feel free to switch up the jam flavor based on what you have at home, apricot, blueberry, or even peach could work wonderfully.

• Dust with Powdered Sugar Just Before Serving: For the best presentation, dust the powdered sugar right before serving to keep it from dissolving into the pastries.

• Make Ahead for Busy Days: These puff pastry hearts can be assembled ahead of time, covered, and stored in the fridge for a few hours before baking, perfect for a quick dessert after a busy day.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Puff Pastry Cream Cheese Hearts

• As a Sweet Snack with Tea or Coffee: These puff pastry hearts are the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. The sweet cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with a hot beverage.

• For a Special Breakfast: Serve these pastries as a fun and indulgent breakfast treat for the whole family. They’re easy enough to make on a weekend morning and feel extra special.

• As a Dessert After Dinner: These cream cheese hearts make for a light but delicious dessert after a hearty meal. Their sweetness is just the right amount to finish off the day.

• With Fresh Fruit on the Side: For a balanced snack, enjoy these pastries with a side of fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples. The fruity jam in the pastry complements the freshness of the fruit.

• At a Family Gathering or Party: They’re perfect for sharing at family gatherings or small parties. The cute heart shapes make them a hit for celebrations like Valentine’s Day or birthdays.

• For a Quick Dessert on Busy Weeknights: When you need a quick but delicious dessert for the family, these puff pastry hearts can be prepped in no time. Just bake and enjoy!

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve these pastries with a scoop of vanilla or berry ice cream. The warm pastry and cold ice cream create a perfect contrast.

• For a Kid-Friendly Treat: My kids love these! They’re the perfect size for little hands and can be a fun, interactive snack where they help spread the cream cheese and jam.

• As Part of a Brunch Spread: Include these cream cheese hearts in a brunch spread alongside other pastries, fruit, and maybe some scrambled eggs or quiche for a delicious variety.

• For a Cozy Movie Night: Make movie night more enjoyable with these delicious pastries. Pair them with your favorite film and some cozy blankets for the ultimate family evening.

FAQs

• Can I make these puff pastry hearts ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the puff pastry hearts, refrigerate them for up to a few hours before baking, and then bake them just before serving. If you want to make them even further in advance, you can freeze the assembled pastries (without the powdered sugar) and bake them directly from the freezer.

• What kind of jam can I use for the filling? You can use any type of fruit jam you prefer. Raspberry and strawberry are the most common, but apricot, blueberry, or even peach work wonderfully as well. The key is to choose a jam that complements the cream cheese filling.

• Can I substitute the cream cheese? Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or a ricotta cheese mixture for a different texture. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!

• How can I make these puff pastry hearts dairy-free? For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use a plant-based puff pastry. Be sure to check the ingredients of your puff pastry to ensure it’s dairy-free.

• Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought? Absolutely! If you prefer homemade puff pastry, you can use your own, but store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.

• How should I store leftover puff pastry hearts? Leftover puff pastry hearts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

• Can I make these puff pastry hearts into different shapes? Definitely! While heart shapes are fun and perfect for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, you can use any cookie cutter to shape the pastries into stars, circles, or other fun designs.

• What can I do if I don’t have a cookie cutter? If you don’t have a cookie cutter, simply use a sharp knife or a stencil (made from cardboard) to cut the puff pastry into the desired shape.

• How do I prevent the jam from spilling out while baking? Be sure not to overfill the pastries with the cream cheese mixture or jam. Also, make sure to seal the edges of the pastry with a fork to help keep the filling in place while baking.

• Can I add other fillings to these puff pastry hearts? Yes! These puff pastry hearts are super versatile. You can add chocolate chips, fruit preserves, or even a little cinnamon sugar for a fun twist on the classic recipe.