Strawberry-Filled Pastry Puffs

Name: Strawberry-Filled Pastry Puffs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 puffs
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup cold water; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Powdered sugar (to dust)

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

I absolutely love making Strawberry-Filled Pastry Puffs because they are a delightful combination of flaky pastry and sweet strawberry filling. Whenever I have friends over or want to impress my family, these little treats never fail to bring smiles. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the luscious strawberry center is irresistible! Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, which is always a bonus when entertaining. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a favorite in your household too!

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-02-21T21:10:18.548Z

Making Strawberry-Filled Pastry Puffs was a delightful experience! I remember the first time I baked these; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I felt like a pastry chef. The trick is to keep the dough cold while assembling, which ensures a perfectly flaky texture.

One specific tip I learned is to add a touch of sugar to the strawberries before filling the pastry. This enhances their natural sweetness and creates a delicious syrupy filling when baked. The result is just heavenly, and every bite brings a burst of flavor!

Why You'll Love These Pastry Puffs
Flaky, buttery dough with a sweet strawberry surprise
Perfect balance of flavors and textures
Ideal for gatherings, parties, or a sweet treat any time

Understanding the Pastry

The pastry for these puffs forms the foundation of the dish, providing that irresistible flaky texture. Using cold butter is essential, as it creates steam during baking, leading to those delightful layers. Be sure to cut in the butter well — aim for a texture resembling small peas. This will ensure that the butter stays solid until it hits the oven for maximum flakiness.

When adding water, do it gradually. The goal is to bring the dough together without overworking it, which can lead to a tough pastry. After mixing, wrapping the dough in plastic wrap and chilling it for 20 minutes helps it relax and firm up, making it easier to roll out without tearing.

Perfecting the Strawberry Filling

The filling is paramount in these pastry puffs, and fresh strawberries are key. Choose strawberries that are firm and fragrant for the best flavor and texture. When you toss them with sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla, let them sit long enough to draw out their juices — this will create a naturally sweet syrup and deepen the overall flavor.

If you want to experiment with the filling, consider mixing in a tablespoon of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cinnamon. These additions can enhance the sweet notes of the strawberries and give the filling an interesting twist. You can also substitute with frozen strawberries, but be sure to drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the Pastry

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold water

For the Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (to dust)

Once you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to prepping!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious pastry puffs:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to release juices.

Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into squares or circles, depending on your preference.

Fill and Fold

Place a spoonful of the strawberry filling in the center of each dough piece. Fold the dough over to form a pocket, sealing the edges with a fork.

Bake the Pastry Puffs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the filled pastry puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your delightful strawberry-filled treats!

Now that your pastry puffs are baked, they are ready to impress!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberry filling. It brightens up the taste beautifully!

Storing and Freezing

These pastry puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature. If you wish to prepare them ahead of time, consider freezing them before baking. Assemble the filled pastries, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid; this typically takes about 1-2 hours.

Once frozen, transfer the pastry puffs to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; just brush with the egg wash and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This method retains the flakiness of the pastry.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, serve these pastry puffs on a platter dusted with powdered sugar along with a bowl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzling a balsamic reduction over the top can also add a sophisticated flair and complementary tanginess to the sweet strawberries.

If you're hosting a gathering, consider pairing these treats with a selection of teas or sparkling wines. The lightness and crispness of the puffs will contrast beautifully with the effervescence of the drinks, making it a delightful combination that enhances the overall experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pastry puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use coconut oil or margarine as a substitute for butter in the pastry.