Directions
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Thaw the Puff Pastry: Begin by thawing the puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy and ruin that beloved flaky texture.
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Cut the Heart Shapes: Unfold the thawed puff pastry carefully and use a 3-4 inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. Gather the scraps and re-roll them to create additional hearts, ensuring not to waste any of the delicious pastry.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This sweet filling is where the tremendous flavor begins.
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Score the Pastry: Carefully score a smaller heart shape in the center of each pastry heart, being cautious not to cut all the way through. This will create a lovely border that will puff up beautifully during baking.
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Fill the Pastry Hearts: Spoon the cream cheese mixture generously into the center of the scored hearts. Then, top each filling with the diced strawberries, allowing their sweetness to shine through.
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Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkles: Coat the exposed edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. This acts as a glue and gives the danishes a lovely golden color. Now sprinkle the coarse sugar generously over the edges for a delightful crunch.
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Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-18 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool on a wire rack.
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Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring (if using). This sweet glaze will add a beautiful finish to your danishes. Once the pastries have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for an irresistible touch.
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