If you’re the kind of person who swoons for bakery-fresh treats, these Cream Cheese Pastries are about to become your new obsession. Light, buttery layers of golden puff pastry wrap around a dreamy, tangy-sweet cream cheese filling—finished off with a dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you pair them with morning coffee, serve them at a brunch, or sneak one for dessert, these pastries make even an ordinary day feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cream Cheese Pastries is that every ingredient is simple yet essential, working together for ultimate flavor and that irresistible flaky texture. Each one plays a role in elevating these pastries from basic to bakery-worthy.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): Delivers instant buttery, flaky layers without the need for hours of work—make sure it’s thawed for easy handling.
- Cream cheese (softened): This creates the luxuriously smooth, tangy core that makes each bite rich and satisfying.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness—blends beautifully with the cream cheese for a dessert-like filling.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the filling flavor.
- Lemon juice: A little brightness to balance the richness and enhance both the cream cheese and fruit jam, if used.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Adds a glossy sheen and helps the pastries bake to a beautiful golden-brown.
- Fruit jam or preserves (optional): A pop of color and fruity tartness—raspberry or apricot jam is classic, but you can get creative!
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): The pretty finishing touch that makes each pastry look—and taste—like it came straight from a café.
How to Make Cream Cheese Pastries
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so the pastries will bake up light and puffed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and to ensure the pastries won’t stick.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, blend your softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until it’s silky smooth—no lumps allowed! This creamy filling is the star, so take a moment to taste and adjust for that perfect sweet-tart balance.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Unfold your puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out just a bit to smooth out creases and give you slightly larger, thinner pieces. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the sheet into 6 even rectangles or squares, depending on your shaping preference.
Step 4: Fill the Pastries
Spoon a generous dollop of cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry square. If you want that bakery look (and a burst of fruity flavor), add a modest spoonful of your favorite jam or preserves right on top of the cream cheese.
Step 5: Shape and Seal
Shape time! Fold, twist, or leave them open—the choice is yours. Pinch the corners together for a classic envelope, twist the ends for a danish effect, or simply keep them open for rustic charm. Brush the edges and tops with your beaten egg for that crisp, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Carefully transfer each filled pastry to your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until gloriously puffy and a deep golden brown. Let them cool just slightly before giving each one a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Pastries
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to make Cream Cheese Pastries look like they belong behind bakery glass, but you can also jazz them up with a drizzle of honey, a handful of fresh berries, or even a light lemon glaze. Each extra touch adds color and flavor while keeping things delightfully elegant.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cream Cheese Pastries with a steaming mug of coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or lightly sweetened herbal tea for a cozy breakfast moment. If you’re serving them as part of a brunch spread, offer fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or even a fruit compote on the side for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cream Cheese Pastries on a vintage cake stand or rustic wooden board for a showstopping centerpiece. Try arranging them in a star or circle pattern for parties, or slip each into a cupcake liner for a grab-and-go treat. They also make a thoughtful edible gift—stacked in a pretty box, they’re sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have a few Cream Cheese Pastries left over, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. A quick reheat will bring back that glorious flakiness—just avoid letting them sit uncovered, or they’ll lose their tender bite.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Freeze unbaked or baked pastries! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, pop into a freezer bag, and store for up to one month. Thaw baked ones at room temperature, then warm in the oven; bake frozen unbaked pastries straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
For pastries that are just as irresistible the next day, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through—about 5–7 minutes. Microwaves work in a pinch but can make the pastry a touch soggy, so the oven is always your best bet for preserving that crunch.
FAQs
How do I keep my Cream Cheese Pastries from getting soggy?
Let them cool on a wire rack immediately after baking so air circulates and steam escapes, keeping the bottom crisp. If you’re using jam, don’t overfill to avoid excess moisture pooling inside.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely—reduced-fat (Neufchâtel) cream cheese works well in Cream Cheese Pastries. The filling may be slightly less rich, but you’ll still get that signature creamy texture and flavor.
Are there savory options for the filling?
You bet! Swap the sugar and vanilla for a bit of fresh herbs, a pinch of salt, and maybe shredded cheddar or chopped spinach for a savory breakfast or snack variation.
Can I prepare Cream Cheese Pastries in advance?
Yes! You can assemble them, place on a baking sheet, and refrigerate (covered) for a few hours before baking. For longer periods, freeze and bake directly from frozen when you need a quick treat.
What other flavors of jam work well?
Anything goes! Raspberry, cherry, apricot, blueberry, and even fig jam all pair wonderfully with the tangy filling in Cream Cheese Pastries. Don’t be afraid to use whatever fruit preserve excites your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the way Cream Cheese Pastries manage to feel both luxurious and totally doable, even on a busy day. I hope you give this recipe a try—one warm, flaky, creamy bite and you’ll see why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. Happy baking!
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Cream Cheese Pastries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cream Cheese Pastries, a perfect combination of flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet and creamy cream cheese mixture. These pastries are versatile and can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup fruit jam or preserves (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry and roll it out slightly on a floured surface. Cut into 6 equal rectangles or squares.
- Fill and Shape: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each piece. Add jam if desired. Fold or shape the pastry as desired and brush edges with beaten egg.
- Bake: Place pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- You can experiment with different fillings like Nutella, apple butter, or fresh fruit.
- These pastries are best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge and reheated in a toaster oven for a quick treat.
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