Name: Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8.6 oz) sheet puff pastry; 2 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 Tbsp strawberry jam; 1 drop red food coloring (or use beet powder), optional; 2/3 cup very small diced strawberries; 1 large egg whisked with 1 Tbsp water; Powdered sugar, for dusting

If you’re looking for a breakfast treat that feels both elegant and utterly comforting, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe. These flaky puff pastry hearts filled with creamy, fruity goodness are sure to brighten up any morning!

The image shows a heart-shaped pastry with two main layers. The bottom layer is a light golden, flaky pastry with soft, slightly puffed edges. On top is a thick layer of smooth, bright pink cream that fills the heart shape almost to the edges. Scattered on the pink cream are small pieces of fresh red strawberries, adding texture and color contrast. The pastries sit on a wood texture surface with a whole strawberry placed nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these strawberry cream cheese pastries. They’re just the perfect combo of flaky pastry and luscious filling, and every bite feels like a little morning celebration. Making them brings a bit of joy to any kitchen!

Delightfully flaky: Puff pastry bakes up golden and crisp, giving these bites a lovely texture contrast.
Creamy and fruity filling: The smooth cream cheese mixed with bright strawberry jam hits all the right sweet and tangy notes.
Impressively simple: This recipe comes together quickly and easily, perfect for weekends or special occasions.
Beautiful presentation: Heart-shaped pastries dusted with powdered sugar make a charming table centerpiece.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this recipe, freshness is key. Look for a good-quality puff pastry and ripe, fragrant strawberries to take these pastries to the next level. Here’s a quick rundown of what you'll need and why I love each component.

Flat lay of a sheet of golden puff pastry, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red strawberry jam, a small white ceramic bowl containing very small diced fresh strawberries, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Puff pastry: The base of these pastries, providing that flaky, buttery texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
Cream cheese: Adds a rich and creamy layer that balances the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
Strawberry jam: Brings a concentrated strawberry flavor and a touch of sweetness to the filling mix.
Red food coloring or beet powder (optional): Enhances the vibrant pink color of the filling - perfect for a pretty presentation but completely optional.
Fresh diced strawberries: Tiny, juicy pieces that add freshness and texture on top of the creamy filling.
Egg wash (egg and water): Helps seal the edges of the pastry and creates that golden brown finish that makes these pastries look professionally baked.
Powdered sugar: A light dusting at the end adds a touch of sweetness and a classic bakery look.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes or occasion. Feel free to play around with fillings, shapes, or toppings to make it truly your own special breakfast treat.

Seasonal Twist: During spring or summer, I love swapping diced strawberries for fresh raspberries or a mixed berry medley to amplify the fruity brightness and add a burst of color.
Diet-Friendly Variation: For a lighter version, choosing a low-fat cream cheese softens the richness without sacrificing creaminess, and you can reduce the powdered sugar dusting if preferred.
Time-Saver Tip: Cutting the puff pastry into 6 rectangles instead of hearts works perfectly when you’re short on time. Just increase the filling amounts slightly as noted, and you’ll still get that flaky, luscious goodness in every bite.
Make It Vegan: Try using a vegan cream cheese and substitute the egg wash with a plant-based milk mixed with a little maple syrup for that golden finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe

The image shows eight heart-shaped pastries arranged on a white plate. Each pastry has a golden-brown, crispy crust forming the outer layer. Inside, there is a layer of soft cream or custard topped with small, bright red pieces of strawberries, evenly spread to fill the heart shapes. A light dusting of powdered sugar is sprinkled over the pastries and plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a few whole strawberries and a deep red cloth placed around it for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Thaw the Puff Pastry and Preheat the Oven

Start by thawing your puff pastry following the package directions—usually about 30 minutes at room temperature. Halfway through thawing, set your oven to 400°F (204°C) so it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake the pastries. This preheating makes all the difference in achieving that golden, flaky crust.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese and Strawberry Jam Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, strawberry jam, and if you like, a drop of red food coloring or beet powder to enhance the color. Use a rubber spatula to press and mix the ingredients against the sides and bottom to smooth out any lumps. Chill this filling in the fridge, or quickly in the freezer if you’re ready to assemble soon, to keep it thick and easy to spread without running everywhere.

Step 3: Cut Out Your Heart Shapes

Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly if needed. Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as possible by placing them close together. This step is fun—watch the flaky dough come to life as you shape each adorable heart!

Step 4: Arrange and Score the Pastry Hearts

Lay your heart cutouts on a baking sheet lined with silicone or parchment paper. Leave about 1 ½ inches between each to allow for puffing. Using a sharp paring knife, lightly score a smaller heart inside each pastry heart, about ⅓ inch from the edge. Be gentle—you want to mark the pastry without cutting all the way through. This scoring creates a charming layered effect once baked.

Step 5: Fill Your Pastries

Spoon roughly 1 teaspoon of the chilled cream cheese mixture into the center of each cutout heart. Spread gently towards the edges, but leave that ⅓-inch border free so your pastries can crisp up beautifully. Sprinkle the very small diced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese—these fresh fruit pops add texture and bright flavor, making each bite irresistible.

Step 6: Brush Edges with Egg Wash and Bake

Lightly brush the bare pastry edges with your egg wash (1 large egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water). This step seals the edges and gives your pastries that signature golden glow when baked. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes—watch as they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Cool, Dust with Powdered Sugar, and Serve

Once baked, transfer the pastries to a wire rack to cool slightly. When they’re just warm, dust them with powdered sugar for that cute finishing touch and a hint of sweetness. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh the same day you bake them—toasting the perfect flaky, creamy, fruity combination you set out to create.

Top Tip

Mastering these Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe is easier when you keep a few handy tips in mind. These tricks come straight from my kitchen adventures, saving you time and ensuring your pastries come out picture-perfect every time.

Keep the Cream Cheese Filling Chilled: I’ve learned that chilling the cream cheese and jam mixture really helps it hold its shape when you spoon it onto the pastry, making assembly much neater.
Score Carefully: Lightly scoring a smaller heart inside each pastry without cutting through the bottom dough creates that lovely puffed edge effect—just take your time and use a sharp paring knife.
Use Fresh, Small-Diced Strawberries: Very small diced berries distribute flavor evenly and prevent the pastries from becoming soggy. Plus, they look adorable peeking out on top!
Don’t Skip the Egg Wash Edges: Brushing just the ⅓-inch border with egg wash before baking seals the filling in and promotes that gorgeous golden brown crust I always aim for.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe

The image shows six heart-shaped pieces of dough placed in two columns of three on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Each dough heart has a layer of white cream spread on top, roughly filling the inner part of the heart shape. On top of the cream, there are chopped fresh strawberries, scattered evenly over the cream layer. The dough is pale and soft in texture, while the strawberries add a bright red color contrast. The baking tray and parchment paper have a slightly rustic look, with a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, dust your pastries with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. You can also add a few fresh mint leaves or a light drizzle of honey to complement the sweet strawberry and cream cheese flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these pastries with a fresh bowl of mixed berries or a creamy yogurt parfait for a balanced brunch spread. A cup of your favorite coffee or a freshly brewed herbal tea also makes a delightful accompaniment to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to maintain that wonderful flaky texture. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator but know they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked pastries by assembling them on a baking sheet and flash freezing until firm. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month. When ready to bake, pop them directly in the preheated 400°F oven—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your pastries in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to bring back their crispiness and melty cream cheese filling. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the puff pastry soggy and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Fresh, very small diced strawberries work best for texture and appearance, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy pastries.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?

No worries! You can cut the puff pastry into rectangles instead. Just adjust the filling amounts to 3 oz cream cheese, 2 ½ tablespoon jam, and 1 cup diced strawberries to cover the larger surface area perfectly.

Is it okay to skip the red food coloring?

Absolutely! The food coloring is optional and mainly for visual pop. You can leave it out or substitute beet powder if you prefer a natural tint.

How long do I bake the pastries?

Bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, until the edges are a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye toward the end to avoid over-baking.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up these Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe is such a joy because the results truly feel special without requiring complicated steps. Each flaky, buttery bite paired with luscious cream cheese and bright strawberry flavors makes for a perfect breakfast treat. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!