Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers

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There’s something undeniably delightful about biting into a warm, flaky pastry filled with creamy goodness and a burst of fruitiness. Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers bring together the best of both worlds: the sweet and tangy flavor of strawberry jam combined with the rich, smooth texture of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a golden, buttery puff pastry shell. These turnovers are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon treat with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

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With minimal ingredients—just puff pastry, strawberry jam, cream cheese, and a simple glaze—these turnovers come together in less than 45 minutes, making them ideal for busy mornings when you want something homemade but without the fuss. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. The combination of flavors and textures in these turnovers makes them irresistibly tasty, and their light, flaky crust ensures a satisfying bite with every mouthful.

Let’s dive into the recipe and make these simple yet decadent strawberry cream cheese turnovers!

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Turnovers:

• 1 package puff pastry, thawed (2 sheets): Puff pastry is the key to achieving the light, flaky texture of these turnovers. It puffs up beautifully when baked, creating that signature golden, buttery crunch. Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using it for easy rolling and cutting.
• 6 Tablespoons strawberry jam: The fruity, sweet essence of strawberry jam gives these turnovers their vibrant flavor. You can use store-bought jam or homemade preserves depending on your preference.
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese adds a rich, smooth texture to the filling and balances the sweetness of the jam with a slight tang. Softened cream cheese is easier to blend and ensures a smooth filling.

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg: The egg wash helps give the turnovers a beautiful, golden sheen once they’re baked.
• 1 teaspoon water: A small amount of water is added to the egg wash to help thin the mixture slightly, making it easier to apply evenly over the pastries.

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar: The glaze is the finishing touch that takes these turnovers to the next level. Powdered sugar creates a smooth, sweet drizzle that perfectly complements the fruit and cream cheese filling.
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the glaze, adding a subtle depth to the sweetness.
• 1-2 Tablespoons milk: The milk helps adjust the consistency of the glaze. Use less milk for a thicker glaze and more for a thinner, pourable consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent the turnovers from sticking and to make cleanup easier. Set the sheet aside as you prepare the turnovers.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Take the thawed puff pastry sheets and roll them out on a clean, lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to ensure the pastry is smooth and even. Then, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to divide the pastry into 6 equal squares.
3. Fill the Pastry Squares: Place 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam in the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam may leak out during baking. Next, cut the softened cream cheese into 6 equal-sized cubes and place one cube on top of the jam in the center of each square.
4. Fold and Seal the Turnovers: Gently take one corner of the pastry square and fold it over to meet the opposite corner, forming a triangle shape. Press down on the edges to seal the turnover. To ensure a tight seal, use a fork to crimp the edges, giving the turnover a decorative finish while keeping the filling inside.
5. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 teaspoon of water to create the egg wash. This mixture will give the turnovers a shiny, golden finish once baked.
6. Apply the Egg Wash: Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet and use a pastry brush to gently apply the egg wash to the top of each turnover. Be sure to coat them evenly to achieve that perfect golden hue during baking.
7. Bake the Turnovers: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the turnovers for about 15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. The puff pastry should be light and flaky, with a crisp, golden exterior. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
8. Cool the Turnovers: Once baked, allow the turnovers to cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. This step allows them to firm up slightly and prevents the hot filling from spilling out.
9. Prepare the Glaze: While the turnovers are cooling, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl, adjusting the milk as needed to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
10. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the turnovers have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top of each one. The glaze will harden as it sets, adding a sweet and slightly crunchy finish to each pastry. Allow the glaze to set for 5 minutes before serving.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma

The beauty of these strawberry cream cheese turnovers lies in their contrasting textures and flavors. The exterior is crisp and flaky, with the light, buttery layers of puff pastry offering a satisfying crunch. The inside is a delightful mix of creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese and sweet, fruity strawberry jam. The glaze on top adds an extra layer of sweetness that ties the whole pastry together, giving it a slight crunch once it sets.

As the turnovers bake, your kitchen will be filled with the intoxicating scent of buttery pastry and the sweet, fruity aroma of strawberries. This is a treat that’s sure to make your mouth water even before you take the first bite.

Tips for Success

• Use Thawed Puff Pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it. Cold pastry can be difficult to roll out and may not puff up as well in the oven.
• Don’t Overfill the Turnovers: While it’s tempting to add more filling, be cautious. Overfilling can lead to leaks during baking, which might cause the turnover to lose its shape or create a mess on the baking sheet.
• Crimp the Edges Well: To prevent the filling from leaking out during baking, make sure the edges are tightly sealed. Crimping the edges with a fork not only adds a decorative touch but also reinforces the seal.
• Experiment with Different Fillings: While strawberry and cream cheese are a classic combination, feel free to experiment with other jams or preserves, such as raspberry, blueberry, or even peach. You could also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chocolate chips to the filling for a different twist.
• Store and Reheat: Store any leftover turnovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 15-second intervals until warmed through. If you prefer a crisper texture, reheat in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

These turnovers are perfect on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• With Fresh Fruit: Pair these turnovers with a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or a fruit salad for a complete breakfast or brunch.
• With a Hot Beverage: Enjoy them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, hot tea, or a latte. The sweetness of the turnovers pairs perfectly with a hot beverage.
• With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve these turnovers with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy textures will complement the crispy pastry beautifully.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry at your local grocery store. Just ensure all the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze.
• Mini Turnovers: If you want to make smaller, bite-sized versions of these turnovers, simply cut the puff pastry into smaller squares and adjust the baking time slightly, reducing it to about 10-12 minutes.

These Strawberry Cream Cheese Turnovers are an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flaky, golden crust, creamy filling, and sweet glaze, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your pastry repertoire. Happy baking!