Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry

There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with sweet, juicy blueberries and creamy, tangy cream cheese. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries will be a hit with family and friends. They look fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to make thanks to store-bought puff pastry, which makes the process a breeze.

Perfect for impressing guests at a special occasion or adding a touch of indulgence to your morning coffee, these pastries are both elegant and approachable. The fresh blueberries burst with flavor, while the rich cream cheese filling provides a smooth, creamy contrast. Add a light dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got a bakery-worthy treat that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: Using store-bought puff pastry simplifies the process, so you can make these pastries with minimal effort.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as an afternoon snack. They’re versatile and delicious any time of day.
3. Flaky and Buttery: The puff pastry bakes up golden and crisp, providing the perfect vessel for the sweet, creamy filling.
4. Customizable: You can swap the blueberries for other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even apples, making this recipe adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
5. Impressive Presentation: These pastries look fancy, but they’re deceptively simple to make—perfect for impressing guests without the stress.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 pastries
• Serving Size: 1 pastry

Nutritional Information (per pastry)

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fiber: 1g

(Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portions used.)

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)

For the Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Dusting:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the pastries from sticking. This will also make cleanup much easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a spatula, mix until smooth and creamy. Set the cream cheese filling aside while you work on the blueberries.

Step 3: Prepare the Blueberry Mixture

In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with the lemon zest and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps thicken the blueberry juices as they bake, preventing them from becoming too watery and seeping out of the pastry. The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the blueberries.

Step 4: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface and gently unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry. Using a rolling pin, roll it out slightly to smooth the creases and make it just a bit thinner. You want the pastry to be about 1/8-inch thick. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.

Step 5: Cut the Puff Pastry into Squares

Once the puff pastry is rolled out, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to divide each sheet into 6 equal squares. You should end up with 12 squares in total, which will be the base of your pastries.

Step 6: Add the Filling

Place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Spread it out slightly, but leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out. Next, add a heaping teaspoon of blueberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.

Step 7: Fold the Pastry

For each square, gently fold two opposite corners of the pastry over the filling, overlapping them slightly in the center. Press the seams together gently to secure them. Don’t worry if the filling isn’t completely covered—some of it peeking out adds to the charm of the pastry.

Step 8: Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg to create the egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash. This will help them turn a beautiful golden brown as they bake.

Step 9: Bake the Pastries

Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a bit of space between them so they can puff up. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 10: Let Cool and Add Glaze

Once the pastries are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. While the pastries are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create the glaze.

Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm pastries for a sweet finish. If you prefer, you can also dust them with powdered sugar instead of glazing them.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Your Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries are now ready to serve! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea, or as part of a brunch spread.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries

These delightful pastries can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion. Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• For Breakfast: Serve the pastries warm with a side of fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast.
• For Brunch: Pair them with savory dishes like quiche, scrambled eggs, or smoked salmon for a balanced brunch spread.
• For Dessert: Enjoy the pastries as a dessert after dinner, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• For a Snack: These pastries make an indulgent afternoon treat, perfect with a glass of iced coffee or a hot latte.

Additional Tips for Perfect Pastries

1. Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Puff pastry bakes best when it’s cold, so if it starts to feel soft while you’re working with it, pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up. This will ensure it puffs up nicely in the oven.
2. Don’t Overload the Pastry: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, be careful not to overfill the pastries. Too much filling can cause the pastry to become soggy or burst open while baking.
3. Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: If you’re using frozen blueberries, make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the pastry to prevent excess moisture.
4. Make Ahead: These pastries can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to brush them with egg wash right before they go into the oven.
5. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to refresh their flakiness.

Recipe Variations

While these Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries are delicious as-is, you can easily customize them to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Mixed Berry Cream Cheese Pastries:

Swap the blueberries for a mixture of berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries, for a colorful and flavorful twist.

2. Lemon Blueberry Pastries:

Add a little lemon juice and extra lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the blueberries.

3. Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastries:

Replace the blueberries with diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat.

4. Nutella and Strawberry Puff Pastries:

For a chocolatey twist, spread a little Nutella on the puff pastry along with the cream cheese filling, and top with sliced strawberries.

5. Savory Cream Cheese Pastries:

For a savory version, skip the sugar in the cream cheese mixture and add herbs, garlic, and shredded cheese. Fill the pastries with savory ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or smoked salmon.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but note that the puff pastry may lose some of its flakiness over time.

Freezing Instructions:

To freeze the unbaked pastries, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Bake the pastries straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating Instructions:

If you have leftover baked pastries, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until they’re warmed through and the pastry is crispy again.

Special Equipment

• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the puff pastry evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the pastries with egg wash.
• Wire Cooling Rack: For cooling the pastries evenly after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Yes, if you have the time and patience, you can definitely use homemade puff pastry for this recipe. However, store-bought puff pastry works beautifully and saves time.

2. Can I use a different type of fruit for the filling?

Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. You can use strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even diced apples or peaches.

3. Can I make these pastries ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pastries and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to add the egg wash right before baking.

4. Can I make these pastries gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free puff pastry (available in many grocery stores or online), and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free treat.

5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to leave a small border around the edges of the puff pastry when adding the filling, and press the seams firmly when folding the pastry. You can also refrigerate the pastries for a few minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries are a delightful and elegant treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The combination of flaky puff pastry, tangy cream cheese, and sweet blueberries is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these pastries are sure to impress. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make, thanks to store-bought puff pastry.

The recipe’s versatility allows you to experiment with different fillings, flavors, and toppings, making it a go-to pastry for any occasion. Whether you stick with classic blueberry or try one of the suggested variations, these pastries are sure to become a family favorite. Serve them warm from the oven with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of sweet glaze, and enjoy the comforting flavors in every bite.

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