Irresistible Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls: A Sweet Delight for All Occasions

Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls are a delightful treat that combines the light, flaky texture of pastry with a luscious cream filling and a burst of fresh berries. These sweet, bite-sized pastries are perfect for any occasion, from elegant parties to casual get-togethers. Whether served as a dessert or a special snack, they are sure to impress with their delicious flavor and beautiful presentation. Here’s a detailed guide to making these irresistible pastries.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Balls:

Puff Pastry Sheets: 1 package (about 17.3 ounces), thawed
Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (for sprinkling)
All-Purpose Flour: For dusting

For the Cream Filling:

Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (1 package), softened
Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup

For the Berry Filling:

Mixed Berries: 1 cup (fresh or frozen; if using frozen, thaw and drain)
Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (optional, to sweeten the berries)
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening the berry mixture)

For Garnish (optional):

Powdered Sugar: For dusting
Fresh Mint Leaves: For decoration

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (or a whisk)
Small saucepan (for berry filling)
Knife and cutting board
Spoon or piping bag (for filling)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare the Berry Filling:

In a small saucepan, combine the mixed berries, granulated sugar (if using), and cornstarch (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries have softened and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the Cream Filling:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and well combined.

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut them into small squares, about 2-3 inches per side.

Assemble the Pastry Balls:

Place a small spoonful of cream filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Add a small spoonful of berry filling on top of the cream filling.
Fold the corners of the pastry square toward the center, pinching them together to seal the filling inside. Gently roll the pastry ball between your hands to smooth out and seal any openings.

Bake:

Place the filled pastry balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry balls are golden brown and puffed up.

Cool and Garnish:

Allow the pastry balls to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Serve:

Serve the cream and berry-filled pastry balls at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Tips and Variations

Berry Options: You can use any combination of berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of the berries.
Pastry Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use pie dough or biscuit dough as an alternative to puff pastry. Adjust the baking time as needed.
Cream Variations: Experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, in the cream filling for a different twist.
Freezing: To freeze, assemble the pastry balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before baking. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Irresistible Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls are a delightful treat that combines the light, flaky texture of pastry with a creamy filling and sweet, fruity bursts. These pastries are perfect for any occasion, from elegant gatherings to casual get-togethers. With their beautiful presentation and delicious flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the sweet satisfaction of these delectable pastries and the smiles they bring!