Valentines Love Letter Pastries are these sweet, flaky treats shaped like little envelopes, filled with jam or chocolate that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for sharing a bit of love and sweetness on a special day—or really, any day when you want to make someone smile.
I love making these pastries because they’re simple yet feel so special. Folding the dough into little letters always makes me feel like I’m sending a secret message through dessert. Plus, you get to customize the filling—fruit jams, Nutella, or even cream cheese—I usually try a few and then sneak bites before they’re all gone!
These pastries are great for breakfast in bed, a cozy afternoon snack with coffee, or a charming way to say “I care” to friends and family. I like to dust them with a little powdered sugar just before serving—it adds the perfect touch of sweetness and makes them look extra cute. They’re always a hit wherever I bring them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your pastries. Frozen puff pastry works great for convenience and flakiness. If you want, you can use homemade dough, but it takes more time. Make sure to thaw it properly before cutting.
Raspberry Jam: Raspberry jam adds a lovely sweet-tart flavor. You can swap it with strawberry, apricot, or any jam you love. For a chocolate twist, try Nutella or chocolate spread instead.
Egg Wash: Beaten egg helps the pastry get that beautiful golden shine. If you prefer no eggs, you can brush with milk or melted butter, though the color may be lighter.
Decorations: Powdered sugar adds a soft sweetness on top. Pink heart-shaped sugar decorations and edible flowers give that special Valentine’s touch, but they’re optional and easy to skip or swap depending on what you have.
How Do I Make Sure My Pastries Are Sealed and Don’t Leak Filling?
Keeping the jam inside while baking is key for neat pastries. Here’s how I do it:
- Lightly brush the edges of the bottom pastry piece with egg wash—this acts like glue to seal the edges well.
- Gently place the top pastry frame down without pressing too hard—instead, use your fingers to press around the edges firmly, sealing the jam inside.
- Don’t overfill! About 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of jam keeps it from spilling over.
- Give the tops a good egg wash too for golden, crisp edges.
Following those steps helps the pastries puff up beautifully without leaking tasty filling everywhere.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a standard rimmed sheet to keep everything contained while baking.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter – helps cut pretty, uniform shapes for each pastry.
- Pastry brush – perfect for brushing egg wash onto the pastries for a golden finish.
- Small spoon or teaspoon – for adding just the right amount of jam without overfilling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try different fillings: use Nutella, cream cheese, or lemon curd to change the flavor.
- Swap raspberry jam for other fruity jams, preserves, or even caramel for a richer taste.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract in the jam for extra flavor.
- Top with chopped nuts or shredded coconut before baking for added crunch and texture.
Valentines Love Letter Pastries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastries:
- 1 package (about 17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or your favorite fruit jam)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Decorating:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Pink heart-shaped sugar decorations or fondant hearts (optional)
- Edible sugar flowers for decoration (optional)
- Fresh raspberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake. You’ll spend just a few minutes cutting the pastry and adding the jam, then let the oven do the rest. Overall, less than 30 minutes from start to finish—quick, cute, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface so they don’t stick.
2. Cut and Fill the Pastries:
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out two hearts for each pastry: a solid heart for the bottom and a heart-shaped frame (just the outline) for the top. Place the solid hearts on your baking sheet. Add about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of raspberry jam to the center of each. Be careful not to overfill to avoid leaking.
3. Assemble and Glaze:
Brush the edges of each filled heart lightly with the beaten egg to help them seal. Gently place the heart-shaped frame on top of the jam-filled hearts, pressing around the edges to close them together. Brush the entire top with the remaining egg wash for a nice golden color once baked.
4. Bake and Decorate:
Bake the pastries for 15-18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar, and if you like, add pink heart-shaped sugar decorations or edible sugar flowers for a festive, romantic look. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh raspberries if you want a fresh fruity touch.
Enjoy your lovely Valentines Love Letter Pastries—a sweet way to share your heart!
Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry or Should I Make It from Scratch?
Store-bought frozen puff pastry works perfectly and saves you lots of time! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cutting and assembling.
Can I Substitute the Raspberry Jam with Other Fillings?
Absolutely! You can use any fruit jam, Nutella, lemon curd, or even cream cheese to customize the flavor to your liking.
How Should I Store Leftover Pastries?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep them crisp.
Can I Prepare These Pastries Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble them and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just add the egg wash right before putting them in the oven for best results.