Description
These Puff Pastry Hearts with Icing are a charming and festive dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Featuring flaky puff pastry hearts baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet vanilla icing, they are easy to make and delightfully delicious. Optional cinnamon and food coloring add extra flavor and a romantic touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Hearts
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Lightly sprinkle the surface with granulated sugar and, if desired, the ground cinnamon for extra flavor. Gently roll out the dough to smooth the creases and slightly thin it to create an even thickness for baking.
- Shape and Bake: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts from the rolled pastry. Carefully place the hearts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for puffing. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the pastry hearts are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool the Pastry: Remove the baked puff pastry hearts from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is important before applying the icing to prevent it from melting.
- Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and thick. Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring if desired for a festive look.
- Decorate the Hearts: Drizzle or gently spread the prepared icing over the cooled puff pastry hearts. Allow the icing to set before serving to ensure it hardens slightly and doesn’t run.
Notes
- You can add sprinkles or sanding sugar on top of the icing for a festive decoration.
- Store the puff pastry hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- For best results, use puff pastry that is properly thawed but still cold before rolling.
