Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes (Printable View)

Flaky puff pastry hearts filled with creamy cheese and strawberries, baked until golden brown and luscious.

# Ingredient List:

→ Danish Base

01 - 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed

→ Filling

02 - 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - Red food coloring, optional
06 - 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced

→ Egg Wash

07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 tablespoon cold water

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Allow the puff pastry sheet to thaw at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator as per package directions. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth. If using, blend in one or two drops of red food coloring to achieve a pale pink hue. Fold in half of the diced strawberries for a marbled effect, reserving the rest for garnish.
03 - On a lightly floured work surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry and gently roll to smooth any creases. Using a 3 to 4-inch heart-shaped cutter, cut out approximately 4 pastry hearts. Transfer to the prepared baking tray.
04 - For defined rims, either press lightly with a smaller heart cutter in the centers or score a 1/2-inch border inside each heart using a sharp knife, ensuring not to cut through the pastry.
05 - Spoon or pipe 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart within the borders. Distribute the remaining diced strawberries evenly over the filling. Avoid overfilling to prevent spillage during baking.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon cold water. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry hearts lightly with egg wash, taking care not to brush the filling.
07 - Place the tray on the oven's middle rack and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden and the filling is set. Rotate the tray halfway through baking for even coloration.
08 - Allow pastries to cool on the pan for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or glaze lightly once slightly cooled.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - For best results, use fresh strawberries to prevent excess liquid in the filling.
02 - A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk complements the pastries.

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