Name: Valentines Love Letter Pastries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 240g of plain flour; 2 tablespoons of caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling); 220g of dairy-free block butter (cold and cut into small cubes); ice-water (see method); 1 jar of vegan friendly strawberry jam; dairy-free milk (optional); icing sugar (dusting, optional)

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Valentines Love Letter Pastries are the perfect way to impress someone special this Valentine’s Day or to simply treat yourself to something delightful. These charming little pastries are reminiscent of hand pies or pop tarts but with a heartfelt twist. Flaky, buttery pastry envelops sweet strawberry jam, transforming a simple snack into a delightful love letter that you can share with friends or family. The best part? They’re vegan, making them accessible to a wide range of diets without sacrificing taste or texture.

Table of Contents

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

I first made these pastries on a whim, looking for a sweet treat that would be fun to create while still feeling elegant. The warm buttery aroma wafting through the kitchen as they bake adds to the anticipation, and when you pull them out of the oven, they beckon you with their golden-brown glow. Every bite is a crunchy exterior giving way to a warm, fruity filling that might just steal your heart. Trust me, these Vegan Love Letter Pastries are going to be a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of baking, these pastries can be whipped up in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: Picture the combination of flaky pastry and sweet strawberry jam—comforting and nostalgic in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their lovely diamond shape, brushed with dairy-free milk and sprinkled with sugar, makes for a beautiful treat.
Flexible Serving: They’re perfect for any occasion, whether at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or for a sweet Valentine’s Day surprise.
Diet-Friendly Options: Completely dairy-free and delicious, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

240g plain flour: This is the base for our pastry. All-purpose flour works perfectly here.
2 tablespoons caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling): It sweetens the dough, while the extra sugar creates a lovely caramelized crust.
220g dairy-free block butter (cold and cut into small cubes): Essential for that rich flavor and flaky texture. Ensure it’s a good quality butter alternative.
Ice-water: Used to bring the dough together; it’s important to keep the butter cold for flaky results.
1 jar of vegan-friendly strawberry jam: The heart of your pastries! Feel free to substitute with any fruit jam you prefer.
Dairy-free milk (optional): For brushing on the pastry for a nice golden finish.
Icing sugar (dusting, optional): Adds a charming touch when serving, making these pastries even more irresistible.

How to Make Valentines Love Letter Pastries

Sift and Mix: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the 240g of plain flour and 2 tablespoons of caster sugar. Then, toss in the cold, cubed 220g of dairy-free butter. Use your fingers or a food processor to mix until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Combine with Ice Water: Gradually add ice-water, about 1/2 tablespoon at a time, working it into the dough. You’ll likely use around 1-2 tablespoons total. Aim for a smooth, slightly sticky dough—too dry or wet may affect the final texture.

Chill the Dough: Once mixed, wrap the dough tightly in greaseproof paper and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling helps in rolling out the dough smoothly later on and prevents sticking.

Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 170°C fan (about 340°F) and line two baking trays with greaseproof paper. This will prepare your space for baking.

Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough between two sheets of greaseproof paper until it forms a large rectangle. Cut the dough into diamond shapes, each around 10 cm on each side. Arrange the diamonds on the lined trays as you work and use any leftover dough to cut out small heart shapes.

Fill with Jam: Spoon a teaspoon or two of the vegan-friendly strawberry jam into the center of each diamond shape. Fold three of the corners to the center, creating an envelope shape. Press the corners gently to seal the jam inside; this will ensure a delightful burst of flavor with each bite.

Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the top of each pastry with a bit of dairy-free milk and place the tiny heart cut-outs in the center of each. Sprinkle a little sugar over the pastries, which adds a beautiful golden color and crispness.

Bake: Place your trays in the center of the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown and fragrant. The aroma alone will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!

Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the pastries to cool on the trays for a few minutes. Although they will be soft right out of the oven, they will become beautifully crisp as they cool. Dust with icing sugar for a stunning finish before serving if desired.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Vegan Love Letter Pastries at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring they retain their delightful crunch. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. For freezing, place the pastries in a single layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture, but a quick reheat will refresh that crispiness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When cutting the pastry shapes, use a sharp knife to ensure clean edges, which helps in uniform baking.
Make sure your butter is very cold; this is vital for flaky pastry.
If you’re using homemade jam, remove excess moisture to prevent the pastries from becoming soggy.
You can make the dough a day in advance; just keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Experiment with different flavors of jam or even chocolate spread for a twist on the classic.

These Vegan Love Letter Pastries are not just a treat; they’re a delightful expression of love, perfect for sharing with someone special or enjoying on your own. The combination of flaky dough and sweet filling will surely become a new favorite. I invite you to make these charming pastries for your next occasion. You’ll find them irresistibly good!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Absolutely! Swap the plain flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.

What can I substitute for strawberry jam?

Feel free to use any fruit jam you love! Raspberry, apricot, or even a chocolate spread are delightful alternatives.

How can I make these pastries even more special?

Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon into the dough or mixing some zest from an orange or lemon in the jam for a citrusy twist!

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! You can prepare and chill the dough a day ahead. Just keep it well-wrapped in the fridge, and it’ll be perfect for rolling out when you’re ready to bake.

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Valentines Love Letter Pastries

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Vegan

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Description

These Valentines Love Letter Pastries boast an irresistible flavor combined with an easy preparation method. Made with simple ingredients such as dairy-free butter and strawberry jam, they offer a sweet touch for any occasion, making them perfect for food lovers seeking homemade delights.

Ingredients

Scale

240g of plain flour
2 tablespoons of caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
220g of dairy-free block butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
ice-water (see method)
1 jar of vegan friendly strawberry jam
dairy-free milk (optional)
icing sugar (dusting, optional)

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Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour and sugar. Incorporate the cold butter and mix until it resembles sand, using either your hands or a food processor.
Gradually add ice water, one half-tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms, which should be smooth and slightly sticky. This may require 1-2 tablespoons of water.
Wrap the dough in grease-proof paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm to prevent sticking when rolling.
Preheat oven to 170°C fan and line 2 baking trays with grease-proof paper.
Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the dough between 2 sheets of floured grease-proof paper until it forms a large rectangle. Cut into diamond shapes, approximately 10cm on each side, then place on the lined trays. Utilize a mini heart-shaped cutter for leftover dough.
Place a teaspoon or two of strawberry jam in the center of each diamond shape. Fold three corners into the center resembling an open envelope and press to seal.
Brush with dairy-free milk and place hearts in the center, sprinkling sugar for a golden crispy finish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Allow cooling after baking; the pastries will crisp up after resting.
Serve with a dusting of icing sugar or a simple glaze, though they are delightful on their own.

Notes

Ensure the dairy-free butter is cold for the best pastry consistency.
Use a food processor for quicker mixing if available.
Experiment with different flavors of jam to create unique variations.