Romantic Puff Pastry Cream Cheese Tarts

Looking for a simple yet impressive treat to share with loved ones? These Puff Pastry Cream Cheese Tarts are the perfect combination of buttery, flaky pastry and creamy, sweet filling. Ideal for Valentine’s baking, they make a wonderful addition to your dessert table or brunch spread.

Whether you’re planning an easy Valentine’s Day treat, a festive pastry brunch, or a simple indulgence to enjoy with coffee, these tarts are a versatile and elegant option. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Reasons why you’ll love this recipe♡

• Quick and Easy– Using store-bought puff pastry saves time and effort, allowing you to whip up these delicious tarts in under 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy days or last-minute treats!
• Perfect for Any Occasion– Whether you’re looking for a festive Valentine’s dessert, a sweet addition to a brunch spread, or a simple afternoon snack, these tarts are suitable for any time of day or event.
• Simple Ingredients– With just seven basic ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand, this recipe is easy to prepare without requiring a trip to a specialty store.

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

Servings: 8

Equipment

Step by Step Guide

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters or a homemade stencil to cut out heart shapes. Arrange the hearts on the lined baking sheet, ensuring there is space between them.

Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture over each heart-shaped pastry, making sure to leave a small border around the edges.

Add a small spoonful of raspberry or strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese layer. For a decorative touch, use a toothpick or the back of a spoon to gently swirl the jam into a marble pattern.

Brush the edges of the pastry hearts with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.

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

After baking, take the pastries out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Recipe FAQ

Q: Can I use store-bought puff pastry or should I make it from scratch?
A: You can absolutely use store-bought puff pastry for convenience. It saves a lot of time! If you prefer to make it from scratch, that works too, but store-bought is a great shortcut.

Q: Can I use a different type of jam besides raspberry or strawberry?
A: Yes! You can substitute the raspberry or strawberry jam with any fruit jam or preserves you prefer, such as blueberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a different flavor.

Q: Do I need to chill the puff pastry before using it?
A: It’s not necessary to chill store-bought puff pastry before using, but if it becomes too soft while handling, you can pop it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to make it easier to work with.

Q: What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
A: To soften cream cheese quickly, cut it into smaller cubes and leave it at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 10-second intervals, checking frequently, to avoid melting it.

Q: Can I make these tarts ahead of time and reheat them?
A: Yes, you can make the tarts ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Q: Can I freeze these puff pastry cream cheese tarts?
A: Yes, you can freeze the tarts before baking. Arrange the unbaked tarts on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: How do I know when the tarts are fully baked?
A: The tarts are done when the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.

Q: Can I use a different type of cookie cutter shape for the tarts?
A: Absolutely! While heart-shaped cutters are ideal for Valentine’s Day, you can use any shape you like, such as stars, circles, or squares, depending on the occasion or your preference.

Q: Can I make these tarts without the egg wash?
A: Yes, you can skip the egg wash, but it helps give the edges a golden, shiny finish. If you want to avoid using egg, you can brush the edges with milk or a dairy-free alternative.

Q: Is there a substitute for vanilla extract?
A: If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute it with almond extract, maple syrup, or a little bit of honey for a different but equally delightful flavor.

Q: How can I make these tarts less sweet?
A: To make the tarts less sweet, reduce the sugar in the cream cheese filling or opt for a lower-sugar jam. You can also skip the powdered sugar dusting at the end.

Q: Can I skip the powdered sugar dusting at the end?
A: Yes, the powdered sugar is optional. If you prefer a less sweet finish or want to keep it more simple, you can leave it out.

Q: What should I do if my puff pastry is too sticky while rolling it out?
A: If your puff pastry is too sticky, lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to make it easier to handle. If it continues to stick, refrigerate the dough for 10-15 minutes to firm it up before rolling.