Valentines Love Letter Pastries are sweet little pockets filled with love and something delicious inside—often jam, chocolate, or fruit. They’re flaky, buttery pastries shaped like envelopes, which makes them perfect for sharing a special message with someone you care about. Just holding one feels like opening a tiny love note you get to eat!
I love making these pastries for Valentine’s Day, but they’re great whenever you want to add a touch of sweetness and surprise to your day. What’s fun is picking your favorite filling or even mixing a few. I often sneak in some melted chocolate with raspberry jam because it feels like a treat and a secret all at once.
These pastries are perfect served warm with a cup of tea or coffee. I like to serve them on a pretty plate and watch smiles appear as people open their “love letters.” They’re simple to make but feel so thoughtful, making any morning or afternoon just a little more special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the heart of the pastry’s flaky texture. You can use store-bought frozen puff pastry to save time. If you need gluten-free, look for specialty gluten-free puff pastry or try phyllo dough as a lighter alternative.
Raspberry Jam: The jam adds sweetness and a bit of tartness. Feel free to swap in other fruit jams like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry depending on your taste or what you have on hand.
Fresh Raspberries: These add freshness and a pretty pop of color on top. If fresh raspberries aren’t available, frozen (thawed) or small berries like blueberries work well too.
Marzipan or Almond Paste: This is optional but adds a lovely almond flavor and lets you create cute letters or shapes. If you don’t have it, a drizzle of melted chocolate can be a fun decoration.
How Do You Keep the Pastry Crispy and Prevent Jam Leaks?
Sealing the jam inside the puff pastry well is key to keeping the pastries neat and crispy. Here’s how I do it:
- Use a very thin layer of jam to avoid overload.
- Leave about 1/2-inch border around the edges when spreading jam.
- Brush the edges with egg wash before placing the top pastry piece; this acts like glue.
- Press edges firmly, then use a fork to crimp and seal well.
- Keep the chilled pastry cold until baking to help it puff nicely.
This way, you get beautiful puffed layers and the filling stays mostly inside for a tidy, tasty treat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use this to hold my pastries while baking; it helps them bake evenly and makes cooling easy.
- Parchment paper – lines the baking sheet to prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Rolling pin – I use mine to flatten and shape the puff pastry for a smooth, even layer.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – helps cut the dough into neat squares with minimal fuss.
- Pastry brush – I use this to brush egg wash on the pastries for a shiny, golden finish.
- Cookie cutter or small knife – for shaping or adding decorative shapes or letters from marzipan (optional).
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap raspberry jam for flavored cream cheese or Nutella for a richer filling.
- Use chopped nuts or shredded coconut sprinkled on top before baking for extra texture.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the jam for a warm, spicy note.
- Decorate with melted chocolate or drizzle for an extra sweet touch.
How to Make Valentines Love Letter Pastries?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For The Filling and Decoration:
- 4 tablespoons raspberry jam or mixed berry jam
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
- ½ cup marzipan or almond paste (optional, for making decorative letters)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. Expect a total time of around 30 minutes including a few minutes to let the pastries cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Space and Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a square about 10×10 inches.
2. Cut and Fill the Pastry:
Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares. On two of these squares, spread about 1 tablespoon of raspberry jam, leaving a small border (½-inch) around the edges. Add a few fresh raspberries on top of the jam for a fresh burst of flavor.
3. Assemble and Seal the Pastries:
Mix the egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of the jam-covered squares with this egg wash to help seal. Place the plain pastry squares on top, gently pressing the edges together to seal and avoid leaking. Use a fork to crimp the edges decoratively. Brush the tops of the pastries with more egg wash to give them a golden color when baked.
4. Add Decorations and Bake:
If you’re using marzipan or almond paste, roll it out and cut small letters or shapes to place on top of each pastry for a special touch. Arrange the pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pastries and let them cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish and place a fresh raspberry on each one as garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your sweet, charming Valentines Love Letter Pastries!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or for a few hours before using. This prevents soggy or uneven baking.
What Other Fillings Can I Use Instead of Raspberry Jam?
You can swap raspberry jam for strawberry, apricot, blueberry jam, or even Nutella or cream cheese for a different flavor twist.
How Do I Store Leftover Pastries?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore crispness.
Can I Make These Pastries Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pastries and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Let them come to room temperature briefly before baking.
