Valentines Love Letter Pastries are sweet little treats perfect for sharing a bit of happiness with someone special. These delicate pastries are flaky and buttery, often filled with delicious jams, chocolate, or cream cheese, making each bite a lovely surprise. They look like little envelopes or folded notes, which adds a charming touch to any celebration.
I love making these pastries because they feel like a handmade love note you can eat. They’re simple enough to enjoy making with kids or friends, and the best part is choosing your favorite filling. I find that using fresh berries or a mix of chocolate and a sprinkle of powdered sugar really brings them to life.
Whenever I serve these, I like to pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making a cozy moment even sweeter. They’re great for breakfast in bed or as a thoughtful dessert on Valentine’s Day. Honestly, giving or receiving these love letter pastries always makes me smile—they carry a little message of care wrapped in flaky pastry.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star for that deliciously flaky texture. You can find it pre-made in the freezer section, which makes this recipe quick and easy. For a gluten-free option, try a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry, but keep an eye on baking time as it may differ.
Jam: Strawberry or raspberry jam works great for a sweet and slightly tart flavor. You could also swap in apricot or cherry jam based on what you like or have on hand. If you want less sugar, use fresh mashed berries instead.
Marshmallows: Pink heart-shaped marshmallows add a cute, soft topping. If you don’t have those, regular marshmallows or a dollop of cream cheese mixed with a drop of red food coloring works well. The marshmallow creme version is a nice soft alternative and spreads easily.
Egg Wash: Brushing the pastry edges with beaten egg gives a beautiful golden color and shine. If you need an egg-free option, you can use milk or melted butter instead, though it may brown slightly less.
How Do You Get Perfectly Puffy and Golden Pastries?
Getting puff pastry to rise and brown just right can feel tricky. Here are my tips:
- Keep the dough cold: Work quickly when rolling and cutting. If the dough gets too warm, it won’t rise as well. You can chill the squares again for 10 minutes before baking if needed.
- Use an egg wash: Brushing the edges with egg helps them brown nicely and creates a lovely shiny finish.
- Don’t overload fillings: A small spoonful of jam keeps the center from getting soggy and helps the center puff evenly.
- Bake on a preheated baking sheet: This gives a boost to the bottom to rise up nicely.
- Watch the bake time: 12-15 minutes at 400°F is usually perfect, but ovens vary. Look for a golden puffed surface for best results.
These small steps helped me achieve that picture-perfect result with flaky layers and a golden crust every time I make these pastries.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a standard sheet and line it with parchment for easy clean-up and even baking.
- Rolling pin – helps to flatten the puff pastry evenly for a neat cut and fold.
- Sharp knife or heart-shaped cookie cutter – to cut out the heart shapes or make precise cuts.
- Pastry brush – I use it to apply the beaten egg, giving the pastries a shiny, golden finish.
- Cooling rack – allows the pastries to cool without getting soggy and keeps the top crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate spread or Nutella – spread a little inside before closing for a rich, gooey center.
- Fresh berries – add a few raspberries or sliced strawberries with the jam for extra freshness.
- Different jams – apricot, cherry, or blueberry jam add unique fruity flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts – sprinkle inside the jam or on top for added crunch and flavor.
Valentines Love Letter Pastries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or raspberry jam
- 4 pink heart-shaped marshmallows or marshmallow creme tinted pink
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare plus 12-15 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to allow a few extra minutes to let the pastries cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the pastries won’t stick.
2. Prepare the Pastry Base:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry to smooth out any folds or creases. Then, cut it into little 3-inch squares.
3. Shape Your Love Letters:
Fold each corner of every square toward the center but leave a small open square in the middle so you can add your filling. Using a small knife or a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut a heart shape in the center and carefully take out the heart-shaped pastry piece.
4. Add the Yummy Filling:
Spoon about a teaspoon of your favorite strawberry or raspberry jam right into the heart-shaped opening. For added sweetness, place a pink heart-shaped marshmallow on top of jam for half the pastries. If you’re using marshmallow creme tinted pink, spoon a small dollop instead.
5. Brush and Bake:
Brush the edges of the pastries gently with the beaten egg. This helps them turn beautifully golden and shiny when baked. Place the pastries on your baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they puff up and look golden brown.
6. Cool and Finish:
After baking, carefully move the pastries to a wire rack to cool a little. Before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a pretty, sweet touch.
These little pastries are a lovely way to share some Valentine’s Day joy or treat someone special anytime with a cute, tasty surprise!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. This helps it roll out easily and bake evenly.
Can I Substitute the Jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any jam or preserve you like—apricot, cherry, or blueberry all work wonderfully and bring different fruity flavors.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, pop the pastries in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring back their flakiness.
Can I Make These Pastries Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the pastries and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash right before putting them in the oven for best results.