Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe: Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh strawberries with the creaminess of cream cheese, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These turnovers make for a perfect breakfast pastry, dessert, or sweet snack any time of the day. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious turnovers to impress your friends and family.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers Recipe
Ingredients: Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients we need:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Instructions: Now, let’s go through the step-by-step process of making these scrumptious Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers:
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the turnovers from sticking.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture. Set aside.
- Prepare the puff pastry: On a clean, lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to gently roll out the pastry to smooth any creases and increase its size slightly. Then, using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the puff pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference and the size you desire for your turnovers.
- Add the filling: Spoon a tablespoon or so of the cream cheese and strawberry mixture onto one half of each pastry square or rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Be careful not to overfill the turnovers, as this may cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Fold and seal: Carefully fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle or rectangle shape, depending on the shape of your pastry. Use a fork to gently press and seal the edges of the turnovers, ensuring that the filling stays enclosed inside.
- Brush with egg wash: Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Lightly brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg using a pastry brush. This will give the turnovers a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the turnovers for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent them from over-browning.
- Cool and serve: Once the turnovers are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust the turnovers with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness.
- Serve and enjoy: Your homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm or at room temperature as a delicious breakfast pastry, dessert, or snack. Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for the ultimate treat.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones? While fresh strawberries are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if they’re not in season. However, be sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture from affecting the consistency of the filling.
- Can I make these turnovers ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the turnovers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Simply assemble the turnovers, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, proceed with the instructions as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
- Can I freeze the turnovers for later? Yes, these turnovers freeze well after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, place the frozen turnovers on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Can I customize the filling with other fruits? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches to create your own unique turnovers. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness and consistency of the filling accordingly based on the fruit you choose.
- Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought? While store-bought puff pastry is convenient and works well for this recipe, you can certainly use homemade puff pastry if you prefer. Just ensure that it’s rolled out to the appropriate thickness and follow the same steps for cutting and assembling the turnovers.
With these FAQs, you should feel confident in making these Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers and even customizing them to your liking. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy!