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 pastries
Ingredients: 1 package of puff pastry (thawed); 1 egg (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon of water; 1 cup cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup strawberries (chopped and hulled); 1/2 cup Nutella; 1 cup cooked spinach (chopped); 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled); 1/2 cup cooked chicken (shredded); 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these mini puff pastries for Valentine's Day! They're not only delightful to eat but also a joy to prepare. The flaky texture combined with sweet or savory fillings creates a perfect bite-sized treat for my loved ones. When we gather around, these pastries always spark conversation and admiration. Whether it’s the rich chocolate filling or the luscious cream cheese, I enjoy experimenting with different variations to surprise everyone. They are a fun way to share love and warmth on this special occasion.

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-07T13:28:16.188Z

In my experience, making puff pastries always captivates everyone at the gathering. I distinctly remember the first time I prepared them for a Valentine's Day surprise. I used a combination of strawberries and cream cheese, and the result was mesmerizing! The vibrant colors and enticing aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to taste them.

One essential tip I've learned is to keep the puff pastry dough chilled until you're ready to use it. This helps create those perfectly flaky layers that everyone loves. The contrast between the warm pastry and chilled filling is absolutely divine–it's truly a treat for the senses!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Flaky, buttery layers that melt in your mouth
Customizable fillings to fit every taste
Perfect for sharing with loved ones on Valentine's Day

      

Perfecting the Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is all about layers and temperature. For best results, keep your pastry cold at all times. Warm dough can lose its flakiness, leading to disappointing results. Roll it out quickly and handle it minimally, ensuring the outer layers stay protected from the heat of your hands.

When cutting the puff pastry, ensure your knife is sharp to create clean edges. Crimping the edges carefully with a fork or your fingertips creates a better seal for the fillings, preventing leaks during baking. Watch for any tears in the pastry as you work; patch them up to maintain the structure.

If you're looking for a quicker route, store-bought puff pastry is perfectly acceptable and saves time. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for around 30 minutes to avoid any cracking when you roll it out.

Customizing Your Fillings

The beauty of these mini puff pastries lies in their adaptability. For an extra layer of flavor in your sweet fillings, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture, or even a splash of orange or almond extract. They can elevate the overall taste profile remarkably.

For the savory variations, try adding fresh herbs like dill or basil to the spinach and feta mixture. It not only enhances the flavor but also brings a fresh aroma that will tantalize your guests. Ensure your fillings are well-drained to avoid soggy pastries; squeeze excess moisture from cooked spinach, for example.

You can also adapt the recipe for dietary preferences. For a vegan option, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use aquafaba instead of the egg wash. You can find various types of nut-based cheeses that can work seamlessly as a filling and still deliver rich flavors.

Presenting and Serving

These mini pastries can be served as a centerpiece for your Valentine's Day gathering. Consider garnishing the plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for sweet varieties or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for the savory ones. A touch of fresh herbs can add a pop of color and a hint of sophistication.

You can prepare these pastries ahead of time and keep them refrigerated before baking. Just ensure to cover them with plastic wrap or a damp cloth to keep them moist. When you're ready, bake them fresh before serving for an irresistible warm treat.

For storing leftovers, let the pastries cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They can last up to three days in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring they retain their flaky texture.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious mini puff pastries:

Pastry Ingredients

1 package of puff pastry (thawed)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon of water

Sweet Filling Options

1 cup cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup strawberries (chopped and hulled)
1/2 cup Nutella

Savory Filling Options

1 cup cooked spinach (chopped)
1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
1/2 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

These ingredients will give you a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your mini puff pastries:

Prepare 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.

Prepare the Fillings

In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for the sweet filling. For the savory filling, combine cooked spinach and feta cheese in another bowl.

Fill the Pastries

Place a teaspoon of your chosen filling in the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners towards the middle and press to seal well.

Egg Wash and Bake

Mix the egg and water in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over each sealed pastry. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Now you can enjoy a delightful assortment of mini puff pastries!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different fillings and toppings to make your puff pastries uniquely yours. Try adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for sweet pastries, or some herbs for savory ones!

Ingredient Roles

Every ingredient in your puff pastries plays a crucial role. The puff pastry itself provides the flaky, buttery layers that are characteristic of this treat. When baked, the fat in the pastry melts, creating steam that causes the layers to separate and puff up deliciously.

Cream cheese serves not only as a sweet filling base but also helps create a rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the light pastry. Mixing in powdered sugar and vanilla gives it a sweet, creamy dimension. For savory fillings, the combination of cooked spinach and feta brings together earthy and tangy flavors that work beautifully in each bite.

Egg wash is vital for achieving that shiny, golden-brown finish. It adds color and enhances the visual appeal of your pastries. If you're worried about egg allergies, a mixture of non-dairy milk and a touch of cornstarch also does wonders for browning without compromising the pastry’s texture.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your pastries don’t puff up as expected, it could be due to the dough becoming too warm during handling. Keep all your ingredients and tools cool, and if necessary, pop your formed pastries in the fridge for a few minutes before baking to restore their flakiness.

Sometimes, the filling can ooze out during baking. Ensure that you seal the edges of your pastries well. If you’re using juicy fillings, consider reducing the cooking time or draining excess liquid beforehand to maintain the integrity of the pastry.

If you encounter soggy bottoms, try pre-baking the pastry shells for a few minutes before adding the filling. This ensures they get a head start on that crispy texture, especially if you opt for wet fillings or if you’re making a large batch that needs a longer baking time.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. You can simply double or triple the ingredients, ensuring to adjust the baking time if you're working with a crowded oven. Just make sure to leave enough space between each pastry on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking.

For smaller gatherings, you can also make mini versions of these pastries by cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares or circles. Just remember to reduce the filling amount accordingly and monitor the baking time as they may take less time to cook.

Leftover pastry can be frozen for future use. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the same process for preparing your fillings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry saves time and still tastes delicious.

→ How do I store leftover pastries?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I freeze the pastries?

Yes! Freeze the unbaked pastries on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What other fillings can I try?

You can use any savory or sweet filling you like, such as chocolate chips, minced meat, or different types of cheeses.