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

There’s something so irresistible about flaky pastry paired with sweet, tangy strawberry and smooth cream cheese. This Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries Recipe is exactly that kind of treat—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you need a little homemade sweetness.

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 Puff Pastries Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love how easy these pastries are to pull together, and every time I make them, they disappear in no time. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend or impressing brunch guests, they hit all the right notes.

Flaky Puff Pastry: Provides a buttery, crisp texture that balances beautifully with the creamy filling.
Simple Yet Flavorful Filling: Cream cheese and strawberry jam come together for a luscious, smooth center.
Fresh Strawberries on Top: Adds natural sweetness and a fresh bite in every mouthful.
Effortless Elegance: Heart-shaped cutouts make these pastries look as good as they taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, make sure you have all your ingredients fresh and ready. Puff pastry is the star here, so grab a good-quality sheet from the freezer aisle. Softened cream cheese blends better with the jam, giving you a smoother filling that spreads nicely over the pastry.

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: Choose a high-quality sheet for that perfect flaky texture and buttery flavor.
Cream Cheese: Softened to create a smooth and creamy filling that complements the strawberries.
Strawberry Jam: Adds sweetness and a hint of strawberry flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh fruit.
Red Food Coloring (Optional): A drop helps give the filling a lovely pink hue; beet powder is a natural alternative.
Fresh Strawberries: Very small diced strawberries add bursts of freshness and texture.
Egg Wash (Egg + Water): Brushed on edges for a golden brown finish and to seal the pastry.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds a pretty, sweet finish before serving.

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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 Puff Pastries Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you want to tweak the flavors, swap ingredients, or adjust the shapes, you can make these pastries truly your own delightful creation.

Variation: For a quick and delicious alternative, try cutting the puff pastry into 6 rectangles instead of hearts. I found this especially handy when I was short on time but still wanted that luscious pairing of cream cheese and strawberries. Just increase the filling to 3 oz cream cheese, 2 ½ tablespoon strawberry jam, and 1 cup diced strawberries to cover that larger area perfectly.
Dietary tweak: Use beet powder instead of red food coloring to give the filling a lovely natural tint without any artificial ingredients. It adds a subtle earthy note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Seasonal twist: Swap out strawberries during other seasons with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or even peach slices. Each brings its own charm and flavor punch to these flaky little bites.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff 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 and Preheat for Perfect Puff

Start by thawing your puff pastry according to the package instructions. I like to keep an eye on it and when it’s halfway thawed, I jump ahead and preheat the oven to 400°F. This way, when the pastries are assembled, the oven is ready to give them that beautiful puff and golden crust right away.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, strawberry jam, and a drop of red food coloring (or beet powder if you prefer natural). I find pressing the mixture against the bowl's sides and bottom with a rubber spatula really helps get rid of any lumps and creates a smooth, luscious filling. Pop it in the fridge or if you’re in a rush, a quick stint in the freezer firms it up nicely so it spreads easily without running.

Step 3: Cut and Arrange Your Puff Pastry

Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut as many hearts as you can from the puff pastry. Keep your cuts tight to get the maximum number of pastries out of one sheet. Transfer these hearts carefully to a baking sheet lined with silicone or parchment paper, spacing them about 1 ½ inches apart. Your pastries will need room to puff up and bake evenly.

Step 4: Score a Smaller Heart for a Pretty Border

With a sharp paring knife, gently score a smaller heart inside each pastry cut-out, about ⅓ inch from the edge. Take care not to cut through the bottom layer. This scored border gives a neat frame to the filling and keeps everything beautifully contained during baking.

Step 5: Fill and Add Fresh Strawberries

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each heart, spreading it gently toward the scored edge without covering it. Then sprinkle the diced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer, again leaving that cute border visible. This layering creates bursts of fresh flavor with every bite.

Step 6: Brush Edges and Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the exposed ⅓-inch border with the egg wash made from one whisked egg and a tablespoon of water. Not only does this help seal the edges, but it also gives them a gorgeous golden sheen. Bake your pastries in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until puffed and beautifully golden brown around the edges.

Step 7: Cool, Dust, and Enjoy Fresh

Once baked, let your pastries cool on a wire rack. When they reach room temperature, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh the day you make them, so grab a cup of coffee and savor each flaky, fruity bite as part of your morning or brunch routine.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries Recipe, ensuring they’re flaky, flavorful, and picture-perfect every time.

Flash Chill the Filling: I’ve found chilling the cream cheese mixture briefly—either in the fridge or freezer—makes it much easier to spread neatly onto the pastry without it running everywhere.
Preheat the Oven Early: Starting the oven halfway through thawing the puff pastry guarantees it’s at the perfect 400°F when you’re ready to bake, giving you those irresistibly puffed, golden edges.
Score, Don’t Cut: Lightly scoring a smaller heart inside each pastry shape creates a neat border and prevents the filling from spilling over while baking—a little technique that really makes a big difference.
Don’t Overfill: Keeping about ⅓ inch edge free for sealing ensures your pastries bake evenly and brown beautifully without oozing cream cheese or jam.

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff 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

Freshness is key with these pastries! Top them simply with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also add a few mint leaves or a tiny drizzle of honey for extra color and sweetness. A light spread of whipped cream on the side complements the tanginess of the cream cheese beautifully.

Side Dishes

To build a delightful breakfast spread, pair these pastries with fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or even a vibrant berry compote. Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice to marry sweet, tart, and rich flavors in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though they rarely stick around!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain the crisp texture. Because puff pastry tends to soften over time, it’s best to enjoy them fresh if possible.

Freezing

You can freeze these pastries before baking. Arrange the filled, unbaked pastries on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through beautifully.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked crispness, reheat leftover pastries in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the pastry soggy and the filling too warm. A quick oven reheat restores crispness and warms the filling just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw it according to the package instructions before you start preparing your Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries Recipe to get the best puff and flakiness.

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

No worries! You can cut simple rectangles or squares instead. The recipe even includes notes for adjusting ingredient amounts if you choose this shape. It’s just as delicious.

Can I substitute the fresh diced strawberries?

While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained, but be mindful that they might add extra moisture to the filling.

Is red food coloring necessary?

Not at all! It’s purely optional. For a natural alternative, beet powder works beautifully to enhance the color without any artificial additives.

Final Thoughts

Making these Strawberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries always feels like a special treat that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. The flaky pastry, luscious cream cheese filling, and bursts of fresh strawberry come together in a way that warms the heart and sweetens the morning. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a weekday pick-me-up, I hope this recipe brings a little extra joy—and a lot of flavor—to your table.