If you’re looking for a dessert that feels fancy but takes very little effort, Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Hearts are your new go-to. These adorable, flaky pastries are made with buttery puff pastry, lightly sweetened cream cheese, and juicy strawberries. They’re shaped like hearts, which makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, bridal showers, or anytime you want to show a little extra love.

What makes this recipe special is how it balances simplicity with elegance. Store-bought puff pastry does most of the work for you, while the cream cheese filling adds richness and the strawberries bring brightness and freshness. The result? A bakery-style dessert you can make at home in under an hour.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a romantic dinner, or just craving something sweet and flaky, these puff pastry hearts are guaranteed to impress without stressing you out.

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Hearts

• They look impressive but are beginner-friendly
• Only a few simple ingredients
• Perfect balance of flaky, creamy, and fruity
• Ready in about 35 minutes
• Great for holidays, parties, and everyday treats

These pastries are also incredibly versatile. You can swap the fruit, change the flavor of the filling, or even turn them into savory versions later on.

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for topping)
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry slightly to smooth seams.
Cut the pastry into even rectangles or squares.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Spoon a small amount of cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry piece.
Add chopped strawberries on top of the cream cheese.
Cut two small slits at the top of each square and gently pull the corners down to form a heart shape.
Brush the edges with egg wash.
Sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar if desired.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Hearts

• Keep your puff pastry cold until ready to use. Warm pastry won’t puff properly.
• Don’t overfill—too much filling can leak out while baking.
• Use finely chopped strawberries so they bake evenly.
• Always bake on parchment to prevent sticking.

Fun Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry Hearts – Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
• Lemon Berry Hearts – Swap vanilla for lemon zest and use blueberries.
• Nutella Hearts – Replace cream cheese with Nutella for a rich twist.
• Savory Hearts – Use herbed cream cheese and skip the sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these puff pastry hearts:
• With coffee or tea for brunch
• As a Valentine’s Day dessert
• On a dessert board with berries and whipped cream
• As a sweet snack for kids

They’re best enjoyed warm but still delicious at room temperature.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp the pastry.

You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked pastries for up to 12 hours.

Cultural & Seasonal Context

Heart-shaped desserts have long been associated with love and celebration, especially around Valentine’s Day. Puff pastry desserts like these combine classic European pastry techniques with modern convenience. Using strawberries adds a fresh, romantic touch that makes these perfect for winter-to-spring transitions.