Valentines Love Letter Pastries are such a sweet and charming treat that combines flaky, buttery pastry with a heartfelt touch. These little pastries often have a lovely filling inside, like sweet jam or cream cheese, folded or rolled into shapes that look like love letters or little envelopes. They’re perfect for celebrating love, friendship, or just making someone’s day a little brighter with a homemade surprise.
I love making these pastries because they add an extra bit of joy to baking. There’s something so fun about folding the dough into a cute shape and imagining the smiles they’ll bring. I sometimes like to write tiny notes or add a sprinkle of colored sugar on top to make them even more special. It’s a simple and thoughtful way to share some sweetness with the people I care about.
My favorite way to enjoy these love letter pastries is with a warm cup of tea or coffee, especially on a cozy morning or afternoon. They’re great for sharing at a little party or even just as a personal treat. I find that having a batch ready makes any day feel a touch more festive and full of love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star ingredient for flaky, buttery layers. Store-bought puff pastry works great and saves time. If you can’t find it, crescent roll dough can be a quick substitute but is less flaky.
Raspberry Jam: I like raspberry for its bright color and tartness, but feel free to swap with strawberry, apricot, or even chocolate spread. Just pick a filling that’s not too runny to avoid leaks during baking.
Egg Wash: Beaten egg helps the pastries turn golden and look shiny. If you prefer no eggs, brush with a little milk or melted butter instead for a nice finish.
Powdered Sugar: A light dust adds sweetness and a pretty contrast around the jam heart. You can skip it or use a little cinnamon sugar if you want a twist.
How Can I Keep the Pastry Edges Sealed and Prevent Leaking?
Sealing the pastries well is key to keeping the jam inside during baking. Here’s how I do it:
- Brush the edges of the bottom pastry square lightly with beaten egg before adding the top piece.
- Gently press the edges together with your fingers or a fork to make a firm seal without tearing the dough.
- Avoid overfilling the jam—about 1 tablespoon is enough.
- Chill the formed pastries in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking; this helps the dough hold its shape better.
Following these steps keeps your love letter pastries neat and lets the jam stay inside for a delicious surprise!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like using a light-colored one for even baking and browning.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Small heart-shaped cookie cutter – perfect for creating cute, love-themed tops.
- Pastry brush – I use it to brush the egg wash smoothly over the pastries.
- Rolling pin – helps to gently flatten and smooth the puff pastry sheet.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate spread instead of jam for a richer flavor—great for chocolate lovers.
- Use cream cheese mixed with a little sugar or fruit preserves for a creamier filling.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice into the jam for a warm, cozy taste.
- Try different fruit fillings like apricot, blueberry, or apple to vary the flavors throughout the year.
Valentines Love Letter Pastries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or any berry jam of choice)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh raspberries, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 15-20 minutes to bake. Allow a few minutes to cool before dusting with powdered sugar and serving. Overall, plan for around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Setup:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your pastries from sticking and to make cleanup easy.
2. Ready the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold one puff pastry sheet. Using a rolling pin, roll it out slightly to smooth any crease marks. Cut the sheet into roughly 4 by 4-inch squares.
3. Create the Love Letter Tops:
Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a heart shape from the center of half of the pastry squares. These will be the beautiful tops that show the jam underneath.
4. Assemble the Pastries:
Place about one tablespoon of raspberry jam in the center of the whole pastry squares, leaving some space at the edges. Lightly brush the edges of these jam-filled squares with beaten egg to help the top pieces stick.
5. Seal and Glaze:
Carefully place the heart-cut squares on top of the jam-filled squares, aligning all edges. Press gently around the perimeter to seal the pastries. Then, brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg to make them golden when baked.
6. Bake and Finish:
Arrange your pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, until they puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. Let them cool a little, then dust them with powdered sugar, especially around the heart-shaped window to highlight the jam. Garnish with fresh raspberries if you like!
Enjoy your Valentines Love Letter Pastries warm or at room temperature with a cozy cup of tea or coffee. They’re sure to brighten anyone’s day with a sweet, personal touch!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight before you start. Working with thawed pastry makes it easier to cut and fold without cracking.
Can I Substitute the Raspberry Jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any favorite jam or preserve like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry. Just choose a thicker jam to prevent leaking during baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Pastries?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to restore flakiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the pastries and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.