Description
Delightful fruit and cream cheese breakfast pastries made with flaky puff pastry, creamy lemon-infused cream cheese, and your choice of fresh or seasonal fruit. These golden, puffed pastries are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat and come together quickly in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pastry and Topping
- 1 (17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- 1 1/2 cups fruit (such as strawberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, apples, or pears)
- 1 large egg
- Sanding sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese with sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Lightly roll the pastry to seal the perforations between layers. Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a glass, cut four circles from each pastry sheet, totaling eight circles.
- Assemble Pastries: Place four pastry circles evenly spaced on each prepared baking sheet. Lightly score a 1/4-inch border inside the edge of each circle and prick the center area with a fork to prevent excessive puffing in the center. Spread a portion of the cream cheese mixture inside the scored border on each pastry, then top with your choice of fruit.
- Add Egg Wash and Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the edges of each pastry with the egg wash and sprinkle sanding sugar on top if using, to add sparkle and crunch.
- Bake: Bake the pastries for 15 to 18 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed up nicely.
- Cool: Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can use any variety of fresh fruit for these pastries—try strawberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, apples, or pears depending on the season and your preference.
- Make sure puff pastry sheets are fully thawed before working to prevent cracking or tearing.
- Brushing the edges with egg wash helps achieve a beautiful golden color and adds shine.
- If you prefer, you can omit sanding sugar for a less sweet topping.
- These pastries are best enjoyed the same day they are baked for maximum flakiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
