Irresistible Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls

 

Irresistible Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls

INGREDIENTS:

1 package of puff pastry sheets (2 sheets), thawed

1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

INSTRUCTIONS

Step-by-Step Method

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.