Irresistible Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Berries: Rinse and pat dry the berries. If using strawberries, hull and dice them into smaller pieces. You can also lightly mash some of the berries to release their juices, creating a more jam-like filling.
4. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and roll them out slightly to smooth any creases. Cut each sheet into 9 equal squares, resulting in 18 squares total.
5. Fill the Pastry: Place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Add a few berries on top of the cream cheese. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the pastry difficult.
6. Shape the Pastry Balls: Gather the corners of each square and pinch them together to form a ball, enclosing the filling inside. Pinch and seal any open edges to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Place the pastry balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush each pastry ball with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish. For a touch of added sweetness and texture, sprinkle the tops with a bit of granulated sugar if desired.
8. Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry balls are puffed and golden brown. The filling should be warm and the pastry crisp.
9. Cool and Dust with Sugar: Remove the pastry balls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls

• Choose Your Berries: Use a mix of berries for a vibrant, tangy-sweet filling. Frozen berries can also be used; just thaw and drain them well before adding to the pastry.
• Experiment with Fillings: Add a spoonful of lemon curd, Nutella, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts to customize your pastry balls further.
• Use Puff Pastry Properly: Puff pastry works best when cold, so keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it. This ensures the dough puffs up nicely in the oven.
• Seal Well: To avoid leaks, make sure to pinch the edges of the pastry tightly. If any cracks appear, patch them with a bit of extra dough.
• Reheat Before Serving: These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore their crispness.

ENJOY IT 💛