Pastry hearts, those adorable little symbols of affection, are surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply want to add a touch of sweetness to your day, these buttery delights will melt hearts (and taste buds!). Join me as we embark on a delightful baking journey to create these edible masterpieces!
What Makes Pastry Hearts So Special?
Pastry hearts are more than just baked goods; they’re little bundles of love and care baked into every bite. The flaky, golden crust gives way to a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth filling. Plus, their versatility shines through in countless variations – from classic jam-filled hearts to savory cheese and herb options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to gather to make these delightful pastry hearts:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- ¼ cup ice water, plus more if needed
- ½ cup of your favorite filling (jam, preserves, Nutella, etc.)
- 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water for egg wash
- Sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions:
- For a flakier crust, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with pastry flour.
- If you don’t have unsalted butter, simply use salted butter and omit the added salt in the recipe.
Tools of the Trade
- Rolling pin
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (various sizes if you want)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Crafting Your Pastry Hearts: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the diced butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Liquid: Slowly drizzle in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Do not overwork the dough.
- Chill Out: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your cookie cutters to cut out an even number of hearts.
- Fill and Seal: Place half of the hearts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a small amount of filling into the center of each heart, leaving a small border. Brush the edges of the hearts with the egg wash. Top each filled heart with another heart, pressing the edges gently to seal.
- Vent and Decorate: Use a fork to crimp the edges of the hearts, sealing them tightly. Cut a small vent in the top of each heart to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the pastry hearts cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Pastry Heart FAQs: Your Questions Answered!
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the hearts up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: My pastry dough seems too dry. What should I do?
A: If your dough feels dry and crumbly, add an additional tablespoon of ice water at a time, mixing until it just comes together. Remember, overworking the dough will make it tough.
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A: While homemade pastry yields the best results, you can certainly use store-bought pie crust for convenience.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pastry Hearts
- Keep everything cold! Using chilled ingredients and tools prevents the butter from melting too quickly, resulting in a flakier crust.
- Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough crust.
- Get creative with your fillings! Experiment with different jams, preserves, chocolate spreads, or even savory fillings like cheese and herbs.
Assortment of Pastry Hearts
Making Pastry Hearts – Process Shot
There you have it – a simple yet detailed guide to creating your own batch of delightful pastry hearts. Share these little tokens of love with your family, friends, or that special someone, and watch their faces light up with each delicious bite. Happy baking!
