Valentines Love Letter Pastries are sweet little treats perfect for sharing with someone special. These pastries are flaky on the outside with a warm, gooey filling inside, usually made with jam or chocolate. They look like tiny envelopes wrapped with love, making them a cute and tasty way to say “I care.”
I love making these pastries for Valentine’s Day because they’re simple to bake but feel extra special. I like to add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top and sometimes drizzle a little extra chocolate if I’m feeling fancy. It’s always fun to see the smiles when someone opens up their own little edible love letter!
The best part is how versatile they are. You can fill them with your favorite flavors or even try something new like cream cheese and fruit. I often enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, making a cozy moment out of a small, sweet gesture. They really brighten up a morning or afternoon and make the day feel a little more loving.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your love letters. It creates a light and flaky texture. If you don’t find frozen sheets, you can make your own or use phyllo dough, but it will be less fluffy.
Raspberry Jam: I like raspberry for its vibrant color and tartness. Feel free to swap with strawberry, apricot, or even Nutella for a different twist.
Egg Wash: Brushing beaten egg helps pastries turn golden and shiny. If you’re vegan, try brushing with a little plant milk or melted coconut oil instead.
Decorations: Sugar pearls and heart sprinkles really add festive charm. If you can’t find these, colored sugar or edible glitter works well too.
How Do You Create That Perfect Flaky Pastry with a Heart-Shaped Window?
Some might find shaping the pastries tricky, but here’s how to get it right:
- Cut two equal sheets of puff pastry into squares. Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out the center of the top squares.
- Put jam on the bottom squares, then carefully place the cut-out squares on top, like a little envelope.
- Pinch the corners gently to seal the jam inside without squishing it out.
- Egg wash the edges and tops for a golden, shiny finish.
- The heart window shows the jam inside and keeps it from leaking out during baking.
Take your time with this step. Keeping the edges sealed well stops any messy spills, and the heart shape adds adorable charm that’s totally worth it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – I use this to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Rolling pin – helps smooth out the puff pastry for even cuts and shapes.
- Small heart-shaped cookie cutter – creates the cute window in each pastry.
- Pastry brush – for applying the egg wash evenly so the pastries turn a beautiful golden color.
- Mixing spoon or knife – to spread the jam inside each square.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace raspberry jam with Nutella or chocolate spread for a richer filling.
- Add a small piece of cream cheese or mascarpone for extra creaminess inside the pastry.
- Use other jams like apricot, strawberry, or blueberry for different fruity flavors.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a warm, spiced touch.
Valentines Love Letter Pastries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pastries:
- 1 package (about 17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or any berry jam of choice)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flour, for dusting surface
For The Decoration:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- White and pink sugar pearls or edible pearls
- Small heart-shaped sugar sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 15-18 minutes for baking. Add a few minutes for cooling and decorating, so plan around 30-35 minutes total to enjoy these charming treats fresh and warm.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Oven and Pastry Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your pastries from sticking and make clean-up easy. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one sheet of puff pastry to smooth out any creases. Then, cut the sheet into 4×4 inch squares.
2. Add Jam Filling and Top Layer
Place about a teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of each pastry square. Roll out the second puff pastry sheet and cut into the same 4×4 inch squares. Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut a heart shape out of the center of these top squares.
3. Assemble the Love Letters
Place the heart-cut squares over the jam-filled squares, aligning them carefully. Gently pinch the corners of the puff pastry together to create an envelope-like shape, making sure the heart window shows the jam inside and the edges are sealed to prevent leaks.
4. Add Egg Wash and Decorations
Brush the tops and edges of the pastries with beaten egg to give them a pretty golden-brown shine when baked. Scatter edible white and pink sugar pearls around the heart window and place a small heart-shaped sugar sprinkle in the center of the jam heart for a sweet decorative touch.
5. Bake and Finish
Bake your pastries for 15-18 minutes, or until they puff up beautifully and develop a golden color. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Just before serving, dust the pastries with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar to add a delicate sweetness and lovely look.
Enjoy your Valentines Love Letter Pastries warm with coffee, tea, or just as a sweet surprise to share love and joy!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry Without Thawing?
It’s best to thaw puff pastry completely before cutting and assembling. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes until pliable. This prevents cracking and helps the layers puff up nicely in the oven.
Can I Substitute The Jam Filling?
Absolutely! Any fruit jam like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry works well. You can also try chocolate spread or cream cheese for a different flavor twist. Just be mindful not to overfill to avoid leaks.
How Should I Store Leftover Pastries?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to keep them flaky. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days, then reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I Make These Pastries Ahead Of Time?
You can assemble the pastries, cover, and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just give them a quick egg wash before popping them in the oven. This makes them perfect for prepping in advance for a special occasion!