If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet easy appetizer for your holiday party, these Strawberry and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are an excellent choice. These flaky, buttery bites are filled with a luscious strawberry and cream cheese mixture, offering a sweet and savory flavor that is perfect for any festive gathering. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family get-together, these mini bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients. Plus, their bite-sized form makes them ideal for guests to grab and go, leaving everyone satisfied without a lot of mess or fuss.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup strawberry jam (or fresh strawberry puree)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Thaw and Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Take the puff pastry out of the freezer and let it thaw according to the package instructions (usually about 30-40 minutes at room temperature).
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fully combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry

1. Once the puff pastry has thawed, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to smooth out the creases and thin the dough slightly.
2. Cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares (you should be able to get about 16-20 squares from one sheet, depending on the size of the sheet and how thinly you roll it).
3. Transfer the squares to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

Step 4: Assemble the Puff Pastry Bites

1. Add about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling to the center of each puff pastry square.
2. Top the cream cheese with a small dollop of strawberry jam (about ½ teaspoon). Be careful not to overfill the pastry, as it can leak during baking.
3. Gently fold two opposite corners of each square toward the center, slightly overlapping the corners over the filling. Press lightly to seal them together.

Step 5: Prepare the Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. This will give your puff pastry bites a nice golden-brown finish.
2. Lightly brush the tops of the assembled puff pastry bites with the egg wash.

Step 6: Bake the Puff Pastry Bites

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
2. Once baked, remove the puff pastry bites from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar and Garnish

1. Once the puff pastry bites have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
2. Optionally, garnish each puff pastry bite with a small slice of fresh strawberry to add a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Notes:

• Strawberry Alternatives: You can easily swap the strawberry jam with raspberry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry jam. For a more decadent bite, you could also use chocolate spread or Nutella in place of the fruit.
• Cream Cheese Tips: Ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing, as this helps avoid lumps in the filling. If you forgot to soften it ahead of time, you can microwave it in 10-second intervals to soften it quickly.
• Freezing Option: You can freeze these puff pastry bites before baking for a make-ahead option. Simply assemble the bites and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions:

These Strawberry and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are perfect as an appetizer or a light dessert for your holiday party. Pair them with:

• A warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Champagne or sparkling wine for an elegant party presentation.
• A festive holiday punch or mulled wine to complement the sweetness of the pastry.

They also work beautifully on a dessert platter, alongside other bite-sized treats like chocolate truffles, mini tarts, or cookies.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can make the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake the puff pastry bites just before serving for the freshest result.
• Variations: Experiment with different fillings! Add a spoonful of lemon curd for a tangy twist or use a dollop of apple butter for a more fall-inspired flavor.
• Storage: These puff pastry bites are best enjoyed the same day they are made for maximum flakiness. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-6 minutes to crisp them back up.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 160
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fiber: 1g

Conclusion:

These Strawberry and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. They combine the flakiness of puff pastry with the creamy richness of sweetened cream cheese and the fruity brightness of strawberries. With their bite-sized appeal, these pastries are ideal for a party where guests can easily pop them in their mouths without the need for utensils. Whether served as an appetizer or a sweet treat, these puff pastry bites are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages!

Strawberry and Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Bites: The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

---

• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup strawberry jam (or fresh strawberry puree)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)

---

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw and Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Take the puff pastry out of the freezer and let it thaw according to the package instructions (usually about 30-40 minutes at room temperature).
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fully combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry

1. Once the puff pastry has thawed, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to smooth out the creases and thin the dough slightly.
2. Cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares (you should be able to get about 16-20 squares from one sheet, depending on the size of the sheet and how thinly you roll it).
3. Transfer the squares to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

Step 4: Assemble the Puff Pastry Bites

1. Add about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling to the center of each puff pastry square.
2. Top the cream cheese with a small dollop of strawberry jam (about ½ teaspoon). Be careful not to overfill the pastry, as it can leak during baking.
3. Gently fold two opposite corners of each square toward the center, slightly overlapping the corners over the filling. Press lightly to seal them together.

Step 5: Prepare the Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. This will give your puff pastry bites a nice golden-brown finish.
2. Lightly brush the tops of the assembled puff pastry bites with the egg wash.

Step 6: Bake the Puff Pastry Bites

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
2. Once baked, remove the puff pastry bites from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar and Garnish

1. Once the puff pastry bites have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
2. Optionally, garnish each puff pastry bite with a small slice of fresh strawberry to add a pop of color and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 160
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g