Indulge in the delightful experience of our Irresistible Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls. These scrumptious treats are a perfect combination of light, flaky pastry and luscious cream, complemented by a burst of fresh berries. Ideal for celebrations, brunches, or a sweet afternoon snack, these pastry balls are sure to impress your family and friends. With their eye-catching appearance and irresistible flavor, they are a must-try for any dessert lover!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
For the Berry Filling:
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Berry Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat the berries and set aside to macerate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Make the Cream Filling:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the softened cream cheese until well combined.
- Roll and Shape the Pastry Balls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass (approximately 3 inches in diameter).
- Place a teaspoon of the berry filling and a teaspoon of the cream filling in the center of each circle. Fold the pastry over and pinch the edges to seal, forming a ball. Place the filled pastry balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, dust the pastry balls with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy filling and fruity goodness!