Valentines Snacks Mini Puff Pastries

Name: Valentines Snacks Mini Puff Pastries
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 pieces
Ingredients: 1 package puff pastry (thawed); 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon milk; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup fruit jam or chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Sweet Recipes

I absolutely love creating quick and delightful snacks for Valentine's Day. These mini puff pastries are not only simple to make, but they also look and taste spectacular. The flaky texture combined with a sweet filling makes them the perfect treat for a romantic evening or to share with friends. Plus, you can customize the fillings according to your preference, which adds a personal touch. Let me show you how easy it is to impress your loved ones with these bite-sized delights!

Created by

Cressida Northwood

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:57:34.483Z

When I first made these mini puff pastries for a Valentine’s gathering, I was amazed at how quickly they disappeared! The blend of buttery pastry with sweet fillings created a delightful experience for everyone. It's one of those recipes where you can simply rely on store-bought puff pastry, which saves time and effort while achieving impressive results.

I always suggest playing with different fillings, such as chocolate, cream cheese, or even raspberry jam. Experimenting is key! Once, I added a hint of almond extract to the cream cheese filling, which was a hit. Trust me, these little pastries will win hearts!

You'll Love These Mini Puff Pastries Because
They are quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute snacks.
Flaky pastry that melts in your mouth with delightful fillings.
Customizable with various sweet or savory options.

Mastering Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is a versatile dough that requires precision and care, yet its results are well worth the effort. When rolling out your thawed puff pastry, aim for an even thickness of about 1/8 inch. This consistency ensures the pastries rise beautifully and achieve a delightfully flaky texture during baking. If you notice any tears in the dough, simply patch them with small pieces of pastry from the edges. Keeping the pastry cold will also help prevent it from becoming too soft, which can affect the crispiness.

The key to a perfect puff pastry is proper folding technique. After rolling out the dough, cut it into three-inch squares and handle them gently to maintain their integrity. If you're feeling adventurous, you can create a unique shape for the pastries by cutting the squares diagonally to form triangles, which will also bake up nicely. Just remember that the filling should not be overstuffed, as this can lead to leakage during the baking process.

Sweet Variations and Filling Options

While this recipe uses a delightful cream cheese filling paired with jam or chocolate chips, the possibilities are virtually endless. For a fruity version, consider adding finely chopped fresh berries or a spoonful of lemon curd to the cream cheese mixture. If you prefer a richer taste, adding a dash of almond extract can enhance the flavor profile beautifully. Experimenting with different fruit jams can also yield unique flavor combinations, such as raspberry jam with a hint of lemon zest for brightness.

For savory options, simply replace the powdered sugar with grated cheese or herbs. A blend of goat cheese with finely chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can make for a sophisticated appetizer. Remember, if you opt for savory fillings, adjusting the baking time may be necessary based on the moisture content of your fillings. Keep an eye on the pastries and look for a golden-brown color as an indicator that they are ready to be taken out.

Ingredients

For the Pastries

1 package puff pastry (thawed)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon milk

For the Filling

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup fruit jam or chocolate chips

Feel free to mix and match the fillings to create your perfect pastry!

Instructions

Prep the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3-inch squares.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Assemble the Puff Pastries

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and a bit of your chosen jam or chocolate chips in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling and pinch to seal.

Bake the Pastries

Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Mix the egg with the milk and brush this mixture over the tops of the pastries. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these mini puff pastries as a sweet treat on Valentine's Day!

These pastries are best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the cooled pastries before serving. They make for a beautiful presentation!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These mini puff pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be made ahead of time for convenience. Prepare the pastries, assemble them with fillings, but do not bake. Instead, freeze them on a baking sheet for about an hour until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for longer storage. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake directly from the freezer, adding an additional few minutes to the baking time until they puff and turn golden-brown.

If you have leftover pastries, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but note that this may affect their texture. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore some crispiness, rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your puff pastries don’t rise as expected, check that your oven is at the correct temperature and that you preheated it sufficiently. Puff pastry needs that initial blast of heat to create steam, which helps it rise. Additionally, ensure the layers of pastry are well-defined; if they meld together, there's a risk of denser, less flaky results. Use a fork to prick the dough lightly before baking to ensure even puffing and prevent the filling from pushing through.

In case the pastries leak during baking, it's often due to overstuffing or poorly sealed edges. Make sure to pinch the corners tightly and limit the amount of filling to about one teaspoon per pastry. If you encounter burnt edges, your baking sheet may be too close to the heat source; moving it to a lower rack can help achieve more even cooking. Keeping a close eye during the last few minutes of baking can also help catch any potential issues.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the puff pastries ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can use Nutella, fruit preserves, or even savory fillings like spinach and cheese for a different twist.

→ How do I ensure the pastries remain flaky?

Make sure your puff pastry is cold when working with it and avoid overhandling to keep it flaky.

→ Can I freeze the pastries before baking?

Absolutely! Just ensure they’re in an airtight container and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.