Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are a delightful and elegant treat, perfect for brunches, parties, or as a sweet snack. These bites combine the tanginess of cream cheese with the sweetness of raspberries, all encased in a flaky pastry.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🧀 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 🍚 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 🍋 1 tsp lemon zest
- 🥚 1 egg (yolk for filling, white for brushing pastry)
- 🍇 1/2 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen (if frozen, do not thaw)
- 🍞 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 🍚 Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
📝 Directions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry:
- 🔥 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 🍞 Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any seams. Cut into squares or circles, about 2-3 inches in size.
2. Make the Filling:
- 🧀 Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and egg yolk. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- 🥄 Assemble the Bites: Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry piece. Top with one or two raspberries.
3. Shape and Bake:
- 🍇 Fold Pastry: Fold the corners or edges of the pastry over the filling, or simply pinch the edges to seal, creating a little packet. If you like, you can leave them open in the center to show off the raspberry.
- 🥚 Brush with Egg White: Lightly brush the outside of the pastry with beaten egg white for a golden finish.
- 🔥 Bake: Place the prepared bites on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
4. Serve:
- 🍚 Dust with Powdered Sugar: Let the bites cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for a sweet treat that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
⏱ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱ Cooking Time: 20 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍽 Servings: 12-15 bites
💡 Notes:
- Experiment with different berries like blueberries or blackberries for variety.
- These bites can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving to refresh the pastry.
Treat yourself to these Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites, a simple yet sophisticated addition to any gathering or just a special homemade snack! 🍇✨