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

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the flaky, buttery goodness of homemade breakfast treats. This Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe combines light puff pastry with a luscious cream cheese and strawberry jam filling—plus fresh berries for that perfect pop of flavor. Trust me, your mornings will never be the same!

A heart-shaped pastry sits on a wooden board with a layer of golden, flaky crust forming the base. On top of the crust is a thick layer of smooth, pastel pink cream filling that fills the center of the heart, slightly cracked in some places. Embedded in the pink cream are small chunks of bright red strawberries, their textures juicy and detailed. Nearby, a whole fresh strawberry with green leaves adds a splash of natural color. The white marbled surface is faintly visible at the edge of the board. 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 made these pastries on a weekend morning and honestly, they were gone within minutes. The balance of creamy filling with sweet strawberries nestled in a flaky crust? An absolute crowd-pleaser every time.

Effortless Elegance: You only need a few simple ingredients but the end result looks and tastes bakery-worthy.
Flaky Puff Pastry: Creates the perfect light and buttery base that crisps up beautifully.
Fresh & Fruity: The diced strawberries add a fresh burst of flavor and a lovely texture contrast.
Versatile Brunch Treat: Great for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack with your afternoon coffee.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To pull off these delightful pastries, it’s best to use quality ingredients for the freshest flavor and perfect texture. I like to pick up chilled cream cheese that’s easy to soften and a sheet of puff pastry from the freezer section that’s quick to thaw. Fresh, ripe strawberries are key—they really bring the whole thing alive.

Flat lay of a sheet of fresh puff pastry rolled out flat, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red strawberry jam, a small white ceramic bowl with tiny diced fresh strawberries, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl holding a drop of bright red food coloring, and a small white ceramic bowl with powdered sugar, all arranged symmetrically 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 flaky, buttery foundation that puffs beautifully in the oven and carries all the filling.
Cream Cheese: Softened for that silky, smooth filling that balances the sweetness.
Strawberry Jam: Adds concentrated strawberry flavor and a touch of natural sweetness.
Red Food Coloring or Beet Powder (Optional): Enhances the pink hue of the filling, making it look extra inviting.
Diced Strawberries: Freshness and a juicy pop that contrasts with the creamy cheese.
Egg + Water Mixture: Brushed on edges for a gorgeous golden brown finish.
Powdered Sugar: A delicate dusting to finish off the pastries with a bit of sweetness and charm.

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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

The beauty of this Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you prefer a different fruit, want to adapt it for a dietary need, or just feel like experimenting with flavors, these flaky, sweet pastries invite creativity.

Seasonal Twist: Swap out the diced strawberries for fresh blueberries or raspberries when they’re in season. I tried blueberries once, and the tartness played so nicely with the creamy filling—it felt like a whole new pastry!
Natural Coloring: If you want to keep things natural, I love using beet powder instead of red food coloring. It adds a gentle rosy tint that’s subtle but so pretty.
Shape Swap: When I’m pressed for time, cutting the puff pastry into rectangles instead of hearts is a huge time saver. Just remember to increase the cream cheese to 3 oz, the jam to 2 ½ tablespoons, and the diced strawberries to 1 cup to cover the larger surface area perfectly.
Diet-Friendly: For a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and a low-sugar strawberry jam. It still tastes indulgent but is a bit kinder on the calories.

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

A white plate holds eight heart-shaped pastries arranged in a loose circle and one more partially in view at the bottom. Each pastry has a golden-brown crust with a slightly raised edge, forming one layer, filled with bright red chopped strawberries filling the center layer, which looks juicy and fresh. The strawberries are glossy and unevenly sized, sitting on a pale creamy base that adds contrast to the red fruit. A light dusting of powdered sugar tops the pastries, adding a fine white texture. Around the plate, fresh whole strawberries with green leaves are scattered on a white marbled surface, along with a spoon of powdered sugar and a rich red cloth that adds a deep color contrast. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Thaw Puff Pastry & Preheat the Oven

Start by thawing your puff pastry according to the package’s directions. Since timing can be tricky, I like to set a timer for halfway through thawing to preheat my oven to 400°F. This way, it’s hot and ready right when I’m done prepping—the perfect timing for a golden, flaky pastry every time.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, grab your softened cream cheese and stir in the strawberry jam along with that optional drop of red food coloring or beet powder. Use a rubber spatula to press the mixture along the bottom and sides of the bowl—it helps smooth out any lumps and creates a beautifully creamy blend. If you want, place this in the fridge until ready, or flash chill in the freezer if you're running short on time. This step is key to making sure the filling doesn’t run during baking!

Step 3: Cut Out the Pastry Shapes

Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet and use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut hearts as close together as possible—that helps you get the most pastries from one sheet. If the pastry feels sticky, a light dusting of flour before cutting can make the process smoother and keep your shapes crisp.

Step 4: Prepare Pastry for Filling

Transfer your heart shapes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone liner, spacing them about 1½ inches apart so they have space to puff up. Now, use a sharp paring knife to gently score a smaller heart inside each larger heart, about ⅓ inch from the edge—careful not to cut all the way through. This delicate border will frame the filling beautifully after baking.

Step 5: Add the Filling and Strawberries

Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture right in the center of each heart. Gently spread it towards the edges, making sure not to cover that ⅓-inch border. Then spoon over the tiny diced strawberries, again leaving the edges free for that golden crust edge. This layering keeps the presentation neat and lets the dough puff nicely.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

Using your fingertip or a small brush, carefully paint the ⅓-inch border of each pastry heart with the egg wash (one large egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water). This will give you that gorgeous golden finish. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are a perfect golden brown and the puff pastry has risen beautifully.

Step 7: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once baked, transfer the pastries to a wire rack to cool. Cooling helps the texture set just right so the cream cheese filling isn’t too warm or flowing. When cooled, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar for that sweet finishing touch. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh the same day, when the puff pastry is at its flakiest and the flavors are vibrant.

Top Tip

These tips can make all the difference when you’re preparing your Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe, helping you achieve that perfect flaky texture and luscious filling every time.

Keep the Filling Chilled: I learned that refrigerating the cream cheese mixture before adding it to the pastry keeps it from oozing during baking, which helps maintain that beautiful heart shape.
Work Quickly with Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is sensitive to warmth, so I always keep the dough cool between steps to prevent it from getting too soft and sticky.
Score Carefully: Lightly scoring the inner heart border without cutting through the dough creates a nice raised edge that holds the filling in place while baking, giving a lovely presentation.
Egg Wash Edge Only: Brushing just the ⅓-inch edge with egg wash ensures a golden finish without sealing the filling inside, which could make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe

The image shows six heart-shaped pieces of pastry dough placed on white parchment paper on a baking tray. Each heart-shaped dough has a layer of white cream spread on top, covering most of the center area. On top of the cream, there are small chopped strawberry pieces, bright red with some light pink and white parts, scattered evenly across each heart. The dough looks smooth and light beige, while the strawberries add a fresh, juicy contrast. The tray is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle the pastries lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also add a few fresh whole strawberries or a mint leaf on top for color and freshness. A drizzle of honey or a dusting of finely chopped toasted almonds adds a lovely texture contrast.

Side Dishes

These pastries pair beautifully with a simple fruit salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with granola. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to balance sweetness with savory flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to preserve the flaky texture. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is best but expect the crust to soften slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze baked pastries by first cooling them completely. Wrap each pastry individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat pastries in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5–7 minutes to crisp up the puff pastry again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes! In fact, the recipe uses a frozen puff pastry sheet that’s thawed according to package directions before baking. Just be sure to thaw it completely and keep it cool while working.

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

No worries! You can cut the puff pastry into rectangles or other shapes. Just adjust your filling quantities as suggested in the notes to cover the larger surface area.

Can I substitute the strawberry jam with another flavor?

Absolutely! Raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jams make delicious alternatives. Just pick your favorite fruit jam to customize the flavor.

How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking out during baking?

Keeping the cream cheese mixture well chilled before adding it to the pastry is key. Also, spreading the filling without covering the ⅓-inch edge border helps keep everything neatly contained while baking.

Final Thoughts

Making these Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries feels like a little act of love for yourself or anyone lucky enough to share them with you. Their delicate flakiness and sweet, creamy filling make mornings brighter and brunches cozier. Enjoy the process—and especially the delicious results!