Stuffed Puff Pastry Donut Hearts Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that feels like a delightful surprise with every bite, I’ve got something special for you: the Stuffed Puff Pastry Donut Hearts Recipe. This recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy, fruity filling and a luscious white chocolate glaze that I absolutely love. Whether it’s for a lazy weekend brunch or a sweet little gift, these donut hearts are downright irresistible and surprisingly easy to make. Stick with me here, and I promise you’ll be hooked by the end!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully to create that perfect balance of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and sweet glaze. When shopping, try to pick high-quality puff pastry and fresh cream cheese for the best results.

• White chocolate chips: I prefer good-quality chips because they melt smoothly for the glaze and taste richest when drizzled.
• Milk: Just a splash to help thin out the white chocolate for a perfect drizzle consistency.
• Frozen puff pastry sheets: Look for all-butter puff pastry if you can—it makes a huge flavor difference.
• Cream cheese: Soften it a little before using to make spooning and pressing easier.
• Fruit preserves: Raspberry or strawberry works wonderfully—choose your favorite or even a combo for a personal twist.
• Egg yolk: For that golden, glossy finish after baking.
• Water: Mixed with the egg yolk to make an egg wash that seals your dough nicely.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Stuffed Puff Pastry Donut Hearts Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to different tastes or dietary needs. I sometimes swap the preserves for a citrus curd or mix in some finely chopped nuts for crunch.

• Fruit preserve swap: I once used apricot preserves, and it gave these hearts a lovely tangy sweetness that my whole family went crazy for.
• Chocolate lover’s version: Adding a bit of dark chocolate inside with the cream cheese makes these extra decadent.
• Gluten-free option: You can find gluten-free puff pastry sheets now, which work great if you need to avoid gluten.
• Vegan alternative: Use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based puff pastry, then swap the egg wash out for a plant milk wash.

How to Make Stuffed Puff Pastry Donut Hearts Recipe

Step 1: Shape Your Heart Cutouts

Start by thawing your puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions—I like to do this in the fridge overnight to avoid any stickiness or tearing. Roll one sheet out gently on a lightly floured surface into about a 9×14 inch rectangle. Then, grab a 3.5-inch heart cookie cutter and cut as many hearts as you can. Repeat the same process with the second sheet—you want an even number of hearts for pairing later. A tip here: if your dough softens too much, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes before cutting.

Step 2: Prep the Filling and Assemble

Place half the hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes, roughly about a teaspoon size, enough for each heart to get one. Press down slightly on each cream cheese cube with two fingers to create a small well—this is a trick I discovered that helps hold the preserves in place without spilling. Spoon a little fruit preserve into each cream cheese well, then top with the remaining hearts. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal everything shut; this keeps the filling from oozing out while baking.

Step 3: Chill and Bake

Pop the prepared hearts into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes—this step is non-negotiable if you want your pastries looking neat and puffed just right. While chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F. Whisk together the egg yolk and water for the wash, then brush each heart lightly when you take them out. Bake the hearts for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are golden and puffed beautifully. The first time I made these, skipping the freezer step made the edges droop—lesson learned!

Step 4: Make the White Chocolate Glaze

While the puff pastry is baking, melt your white chocolate chips with a tablespoon of milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 50% power for 50 seconds, then stir. If it’s not fully melted, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time until it’s just right for drizzling—not too runny, but not stiff either.

Step 5: Drizzle and Enjoy

Once your hearts are out of the oven and cooled slightly, drizzle the white chocolate glaze generously over the top. I love watching that creamy contrast against the golden pastry—it’s like a little edible masterpiece every time. Serve warm or at room temperature, and watch everyone swoon!

How to Serve Stuffed Puff Pastry Donut Hearts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the finished hearts for that extra sweet touch, but fresh berries and a sprig of mint make these feel fancy, especially if you’re sharing for a special occasion. A light brush of edible glitter isn’t just for kids — it makes these treats sparkle and brightens up any brunch table.

Side Dishes

Since these are a sweet treat, I like pairing them with a simple cup of coffee, chai tea, or a sparkling mimosa. For a full breakfast or brunch, they’re fantastic alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For Valentine’s Day or a bridal shower, I arranged the donut hearts in a heart shape on a festive platter which earned so many “oohs!” and “aahs!” You can also stack them on a tiered dessert server or place each on a little paper doily for cute individual servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying fresh, I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—but honestly, they rarely last that long! If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration works but can dry them out slightly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these both before and after baking. For best results, freeze after assembling but before baking; then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. This way, they keep their freshness and flaky texture better.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover hearts in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This brings back their puffiness and crisps the outside nicely, just like fresh-baked. Microwave reheating tends to make them soggy, so I avoid that.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whenever I whip up this Stuffed Puff Pastry Donut Hearts Recipe, it feels like sharing a little piece of joy with those I care about. There’s something so comforting about the flaky, buttery layers combined with that burst of creamy fruitiness and the sweet white chocolate drizzle. I promise, once you try making these, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again—whether it’s for a quick morning treat or a thoughtful gift. Give it a go, and you’ll see why my family keeps asking me to make them over and over!

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