Description
Delight in these charming Mini Cheese Pastries featuring flaky puff pastry wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfectly golden and tender, these pastries make a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or an elegant snack.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 box puff pastry sheets
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoon water
Glaze Drizzle
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cut and Shape Pastry Strips: Cut each puff pastry sheet into 16 strips. Twist each strip to form a braided strand, then anchor one end of the twisted strip onto the parchment paper. Begin wrapping the dough around this base center to create a pinwheel-shaped pastry.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg yolk, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Continue beating the mixture for an additional 2 minutes until well combined.
- Fill Pastries: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each shaped pastry, ensuring even distribution for a creamy filling in every bite.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this egg wash over the surface of each pastry to create a beautiful golden-brown finish during baking.
- Bake Pastries: Place the filled and egg-washed pastries into the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown color.
- Cool Pastries: Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to set the structure and avoid melting the glaze.
- Prepare Glaze and Drizzle: Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth to create a sweet glaze. Drizzle the glaze over each cooled pastry for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these mini cheese pastries fresh and enjoy their flaky texture complemented by creamy filling and sweet glaze.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth filling.
- For a crispier base, bake on a lower rack in the oven.
- These pastries are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- To make ahead, assemble the pastries and freeze them before baking; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
