Valentines Love Letter Pastries are sweet, flaky treats shaped like little envelopes filled with deliciousness. They’re perfect for sharing a bit of love and sweetness with someone special, featuring soft, buttery pastry wrapped around a gooey center of jam or chocolate. Just looking at these pastries makes you feel the warm fuzzies of Valentine’s Day.
I love making these pastries because they’re simple but feel so thoughtful. It’s like sending a tiny edible love note that’s fun to decorate and even better to eat. I usually sneak an extra one for myself because who doesn’t want a little extra love? Plus, they’re great for any time you want to brighten someone’s day, not just Valentine’s.
My favorite way to enjoy these pastries is fresh out of the oven with a cup of tea or coffee, watching the pastry layers puff up and the filling bubble a little. They’re wonderful to share at a cozy breakfast or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Every bite feels like a little love letter meant just for you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star for flaky layers. Store-bought frozen sheets are a great shortcut. If unavailable, you can try phyllo dough, but it won’t be as buttery or puffed.
Jam: Raspberry or strawberry work best for that bright red heart center. Any red or dark fruit jam like cherry or blackberry is a good swap, depending on your taste.
Cream Cheese (Optional): Adds a creamy base underneath the jam for richness. If you want dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese or omit it entirely for a fruitier, lighter pastry.
Egg Wash: Gives a golden shine and helps seal edges. If you want an egg-free option, brush with milk or melted coconut oil for a different, but still nice, finish.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sealed & Puffy Love Letter Pastries?
Sealing and puffing up the pastries can be tricky but here’s how I do it:
- Make sure your puff pastry is cold but pliable; too warm and it won’t puff well.
- Lightly flour your work surface to avoid sticking but don’t overdo it—that can dry the dough out.
- When placing the heart-cutout top pieces, brush the edges of the bottom squares with egg wash to help seal them securely.
- Press gently but firmly to avoid squashing the layers, so the pastry can still rise beautifully.
- Brush the whole top with egg wash for golden color and shine.
- Bake immediately in a hot oven (around 400°F/200°C) for maximum puff and flakiness.
These little steps help get those gorgeous layers and a sealed pocket with melty jam inside — just like a sweet love letter you can eat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a standard sheet lined with parchment paper; it keeps the pastries from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Rolling pin – helps to smooth and slightly enlarge the puff pastry evenly for a perfect cut.
- Small heart-shaped cookie cutter – I love this because it gives a cute, consistent heart shape for the “window” cutouts.
- Pastry brush – useful for applying the egg wash to get a shiny, golden finish on top.
- Cooling rack – great for letting the pastries cool without getting soggy and helps keep the layers crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap jam flavors: try strawberry, cherry, or even lemon curd inside for different tastes and colors.
- Add a layer of Nutella or caramel on the pastry before the jam for an extra-rich filling.
- Use powdered sugar or drizzle honey over the finished pastries for added sweetness and a pretty look.
- Mix fresh berries or chopped nuts into the jam before filling for texture and extra flavor.
Valentines Love Letter Pastries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
For The Filling:
- 1/3 cup raspberry or strawberry jam (or any red fruit jam)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (optional, for a creamy base)
For Decoration:
- Small heart-shaped candy sprinkles or edible decorations
- Gold edible glitter or flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, making a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. A little extra time may be needed if you choose to chill the puff pastry before baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure the pastries bake evenly and don’t stick.
2. Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry to smooth and slightly enlarge it. Then cut into squares about 3-4 inches on each side.
3. Add the Filling:
If you like a creamy touch, spread a teaspoon of softened cream cheese in the center of each pastry square. Then add about a teaspoon of your raspberry or strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese. This will be the sweet heart of your pastry.
4. Create the Heart Windows:
Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut a heart from the center of another set of pastry squares. These cutouts will be placed on top to show the jam inside.
5. Assemble and Seal the Pastries:
Brush the edges of the bottom squares lightly with beaten egg. Carefully place the heart-cutout pastry pieces on top of the jam-filled ones, gently pressing the edges to seal them well.
6. Egg Wash and Bake:
Brush the top and edges of your love letter pastries with the remaining beaten egg. This helps give a beautiful golden color when baked. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffy and golden brown.
7. Finishing Touches:
Let the pastries cool slightly. Then dust them with powdered sugar for a lovely snowy look. Decorate the jam heart with small heart-shaped candies and edible gold flakes or glitter to make them extra special for Valentine’s Day.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These delightful love letter pastries are best served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with tea or coffee for a perfect treat to share the love.
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for These Pastries?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the puff pastry completely in the refrigerator before rolling it out. This helps it puff properly and prevents soggy spots.
Can I Make These Pastries Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before popping them in the oven to ensure even puffing.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you want to skip cream cheese, try mascarpone or ricotta for a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan cream cheese or omit it altogether — the jam alone is delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Pastries?
Store cooled pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them briefly in a low oven to bring back that flaky crispness.