Name: Valentine's Love Letter Pastries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 240g (about 2 cups) plain flour; 2 tablespoons caster sugar; 220g (about 1 cup) dairy-free block butter (cold and cut into small cubes); Ice-water; 1 jar of vegan-friendly strawberry jam; Dairy-free milk (optional); Icing sugar (dusting, optional)

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

The sweet scent of freshly baked pastries fills the air, wrapping around you like a warm hug, instantly transporting you to a cozy kitchen filled with love and laughter. Picture the delicate folds of a pastry crust, perfectly golden, waiting to cradle a luscious dollop of strawberry jam. As you peel back the layers, the soft, flaky texture crumbles gently in your fingers, inviting you to take that first delightful bite. It’s the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, an occasion that prompts us to express our affections through culinary delights. Every bite of these Valentine’s Love Letter Pastries serves as sweet inspiration, evoking fond memories of handwritten notes from secret admirers—full of hope and dreams.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine’s Love Letter Pastries
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine’s Love Letter Pastries

I remember the joy of crafting little love notes with a sprinkle of glitter that only my closest friends would see, each note carrying wishes for happiness and love. These pastries are a delicious homage to that sentiment, wrapping up sweetness and charm all in one package. Whether for a romantic breakfast in bed, a surprise treat for your favorite person, or simply a way to brighten your day, these Valentine’s Love Letter Pastries invite you to share a little love from your kitchen. So, roll up those sleeves; let’s create something absolutely magical!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have these pastries popping in the oven in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: Think flaky pastry meets luscious strawberry jam—sweet, fruity, and utterly delightful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The diamond shapes and heart toppers make these pastries both fun and impressive, perfect for celebrations.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a romantic breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as party treats; these pastries shine in any setting.
Diet-Friendly Options: These pastries are vegan-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy them without compromise.

Ingredients You’ll Need

240g (about 2 cups) plain flour: This is the base of our pastry. Ensure it’s high quality for the best texture. If you’re in the mood for a gluten-free version, you can opt for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
2 tablespoons caster sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness. You can substitute with granulated sugar if you don’t have caster on hand.
220g (about 1 cup) dairy-free block butter (cold and cut into small cubes): This gives your pastry that flaky texture we all love. Ensure it’s cold for the best results. If you’d like, coconut oil can work as an alternative, but the flavor will vary slightly.
Ice-water: This is crucial for binding the dough together without melting the butter. Remember to add it gradually—too much can make the dough too wet.
1 jar of vegan-friendly strawberry jam: The star filling! Choose a brand with real fruit for that fresh flavor. Feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry or apricot.
Dairy-free milk (optional): Use this for brushing the pastries before baking to achieve a lovely golden color. Almond or oat milk works wonderfully.
Icing sugar (dusting, optional): A light dusting adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness if you choose to serve them that way.

How to Make Valentine’s Love Letter Pastries

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour and caster sugar until well combined and airy. This helps incorporate air into your pastry, creating a lighter texture. It’s easy to overlook this step, but trust me—it pays off!

Incorporate Cold Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and mix it into the flour and sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs, much like wet sand. You can easily do this by hand or using a food processor for a quicker method. Just be careful not to overmix; you want to preserve those buttery chunks for flakiness!

Add Ice Water Gradually: Here’s the fun part! Start adding ice water, about 1/2 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. You’ll need about 1-2 tablespoons total. The goal is to form a smooth yet slightly sticky dough, perfect for rolling out later.

Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in greaseproof paper, shaping it into a disc. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential, as it prevents the butter from melting when you roll out the dough, ensuring that nice flakiness.

Preheat and Prepare: While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) fan. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper, setting yourself up for an easy, mess-free baking experience.

Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, lay a sheet of greaseproof paper on your work surface, dusting it lightly with flour. Roll out the dough gently between two sheets of floured paper until it forms a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut them into diamond shapes, about 4 inches wide, then transfer them onto your lined trays. Make use of any excess dough with fun mini heart shapes!

Fill with Jam: Spoon about one to two teaspoons of strawberry jam into the center of each diamond. Fold three of the corners into the center to create a lovely little “envelope,” pressing firmly to seal the jam inside. Don’t worry about being perfect; that rustic charm makes them even more endearing!

Brush and Sprinkle: Lightly brush the top of each pastry with dairy-free milk, which will give them a golden finish. Then, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top for some added crunch and shine. Don’t forget those heart cutouts for an extra love-filled touch!

Bake Until Golden: Slide the trays into the middle of your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for that delightful golden brown color around the edges and a fragrant aroma wafting through your kitchen. The pastries will be soft when they first come out but will crisp up as they cool.

Allow to Cool: Once baked, let your pastries cool on the tray. They might feel a bit soft initially, but give them time; they will firm up beautifully. Serve them warm, dusted with icing sugar for a sweet finishing touch, although I think they’re perfect just as they are!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Valentine’s Love Letter Pastries, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for the best texture. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, although the texture may change slightly. For longer storage, freeze these delightful treats for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 5–10 minutes to refresh their lovely flaky texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your butter is super cold; this is what makes your pastry flaky!
Don’t be tempted to add more liquid to the dough; just a little ice water goes a long way in bringing it together.
If you have leftover dough, experiment with it! Mini pastries or twists can be fun.
Pay attention when folding in the corners; make sure they’re sealed to prevent any delicious jam from leaking out during baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of jam for these pastries?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam is a classic choice, you can get creative with other flavors like raspberry, apricot, or even mixed fruit jams. Just ensure they are also vegan-friendly if you’re catering to dietary preferences.

How can I know when my pastry is fully baked?

You’ll want to look for a beautiful golden-brown color around the edges of the pastries. They should also feel slightly firm to the touch and have a lovely aroma wafting through your kitchen, letting you know they’re ready to be devoured!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in greaseproof paper and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, chill it for a bit if needed to ensure it’s easy to roll out.

What if my dough feels too sticky to roll out?

If your dough is sticking, sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface and on top of the dough while rolling. Remember to keep it cold; if necessary, return it to the fridge for a few minutes before trying again.

These Valentine’s Love Letter Pastries are not just a treat for your taste buds—they’re a heartwarming way to celebrate love in all its forms. Whether you’re sharing them with someone special or savoring them yourself, each bite is a sweet reminder of affection. So gather your ingredients, spark up that creativity, and enjoy a wonderful pastry adventure!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card