Valentines Love Letter Pastries are sweet, flaky little treats shaped like envelopes and filled with fruity jam or chocolate. Their golden crusts and cute, letter-like shape make them perfect for sharing a special message — or just a tasty snack!
I love making these pastries when I want to add a bit of charm to any day, not just Valentine’s. They’re easy enough to whip up, and you can fill them with your favorite jam or sweet spread. It feels like sending a little love through every bite, and who wouldn’t smile at that?
My favorite way to serve these is warm right out of the oven with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of tea or coffee. They’re great for a cozy breakfast, a thoughtful gift, or a sweet surprise on any occasion. These pastries really remind me that simple gestures can be the sweetest.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This gives your pastries a light, flaky texture. Store-bought puff pastry works great for saving time, but homemade puff pastry will make it extra special if you have time.
Jam: Raspberry jam adds a lovely tartness. You can swap it for any fruit jam you like—strawberry, apricot, or blueberry all work well. Use a thicker jam to avoid soggy pastries.
Heavy Cream: Whipping this with sugar makes a smooth, airy topping. You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option—it whips up nicely if chilled well.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds nice warmth to the whipped cream. If you don’t have it, a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract can be a fun twist.
Egg Wash: Brushing this on the pastry before baking helps it get that golden, shiny finish. If you prefer, milk or cream can be used instead, but eggs give the best color.
How Do I Make Sure My Puff Pastry Bakes Light and Flaky?
Good puff pastry baking depends on keeping everything cool and not overworking the dough. Here are some tips:
- Keep the puff pastry sheet chilled before cutting and baking.
- Use a sharp knife or cutter to cut your shapes without tearing or squashing the dough.
- Seal the edges gently but firmly with egg wash so the filling doesn’t leak and the layers puff up nicely.
- Bake on a hot oven rack or preheated baking stone for even heat and puffiness.
- Don’t open the oven door during baking to keep the puff pastry rise consistent.
Following these steps helps your pastries be golden, puffy, and perfectly flaky every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like using a sturdy sheet lined with parchment paper to keep the pastries from sticking and to help them bake evenly.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter – makes shaping cute letter and envelope designs simple and neat.
- Small knife or cookie cutter (for cutting out window hearts) – helps create the perfect open window in the pastries for filling and toppings.
- Pastry brush – I use this to lightly brush the egg wash on the pastries for a shiny, golden finish.
- Mixing bowls and whisk – easy way to whip your cream and prepare other toppings.
- Rolling pin – helps to slightly flatten your puff pastry for even cutting and shaping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap raspberry jam for lemon curd or cream cheese filling to add a different tang or creaminess.
- Top the whipped cream with chopped nuts or crushed cookies for crunch and extra flavor.
- Instead of traditional whipped cream, try mascarpone or flavored buttercream for a richer topping.
- Add a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder to your whipped cream for a warm, spicy twist that pairs beautifully with fruit filling.
Valentines Love Letter Pastries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup raspberry or mixed berry jam
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pink or white food coloring (optional)
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
- Small round cookie or biscuit pieces (for garnish)
- Edible pearls or sprinkles (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 15-20 minutes to bake, and a few minutes to whip and decorate the cream. Overall, you’ll spend around 35 minutes to create these cute, delicious pastries, including cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cut the Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly. Cut the pastry into 4- to 5-inch squares. Use a heart-shaped cutter to gently press a heart outline in the center of each square. On half of the squares, cut out a smaller heart shape from the center to create “window” tops.
2. Fill and Assemble the Pastries:
Place about one tablespoon of raspberry jam in the center of each whole square. Brush the edges of these squares with beaten egg. Then, carefully place the pastry squares with the heart-shaped cutouts on top to form a little envelope shape. Press the edges lightly with your fingers or fork to seal.
3. Bake to Golden Perfection:
Brush the entire top surface with egg wash to help achieve a lovely golden color. Place your pastries on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until puffed up and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
4. Whip Cream and Decorate:
While pastries cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. For a fun touch, divide the cream and add pink food coloring to one portion. Once cool, pipe the whipped cream into the heart cutouts or on top of the pastries. Garnish with fresh raspberries, small cookie pieces, edible pearls, or sprinkles for a charming finish. Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. This helps the pastry roll out smoothly and bake evenly.
Can I Substitute the Jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any fruit jam you like, such as strawberry, apricot, or blueberry. Just choose a thicker jam to prevent sogginess.
How Should I Store Leftover Pastries?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to restore crispness before serving.
Can I Make These Pastries Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the pastries and keep them unbaked in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking to ensure even puffing.