Easy Homemade Heart-Shaped Strawberry Strudels
They’re flaky and sweet, filled with strawberry jelly, topped with pink icing and sprinkles. They’re made with store-bought puff pastry and come together quickly—but they feel like a gift. And when my daughter proudly announced that she “made dessert for Daddy,” I was reminded why I love cooking this way in the first place.
Ingredients
Strudels
- 1 package puff pastry thawed
- 6 teaspoons strawberry jelly
Strawberry Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ cup strawberry jelly
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the puff pastry package directions. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out hearts. You’ll need an even number so they can be paired.
- Place 1 teaspoon of strawberry jelly in the center of six hearts, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top each with another heart and gently seal the edges using a fork. This step is perfect for little hands.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake according to the puff pastry package directions, until golden brown and puffed.
- While the strudels bake, make the icing. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, strawberry jelly, and vanilla until smooth.
- If the icing is too thick, add more milk or strawberry jelly very slowly until it reaches a soft, drizzleable consistency.
- Let the strudels cool slightly, then spoon or drizzle the icing over the tops. Finish with sprinkles.
Notes
• Puff pastry is one of my favorite “shortcut” ingredients for hosting. It turns the simplest fillings into something special.
• These strudels are best enjoyed the day they’re made, while the pastry is still flaky and crisp.
• You can easily swap the filling—raspberry, mixed berry, or even chocolate hazelnut all work beautifully.
• If you’re baking with kids, don’t rush it. Let it be a little messy. Those are the moments they remember.