Description
Puff Pastry Stars are quick, golden, flaky treats combining buttery layers with a charming star shape, perfect for appetizers, snacks, or desserts. This versatile recipe allows for sweet or savory variations and comes together effortlessly in minutes, impressing with maximum flavor and minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Fillings
- Sweet jam or preserves, small dollops
- Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- Fresh thyme or herbs
- Small pieces of chocolate
- Cinnamon-spiced almond butter
Toppings
- Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Thaw and Prepare Puff Pastry: Begin by thawing your frozen puff pastry sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or at room temperature just until it’s pliable but still cold. This ensures the layers stay intact and puff beautifully during baking.
- Cut Out Star Shapes: Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to press out shapes from the pastry sheet. For best results, lightly flour your surface and cutter to prevent sticking, and work swiftly to keep the dough cold.
- Add Fillings or Toppings: If you want to add fillings such as jam, cheese, or chocolate, place a small dollop in the center of half the stars. Be careful not to overfill, so the pastry seals properly.
- Assemble the Stars: Place a second star shape on top of each filled one and gently press the edges with a fork or your fingers to seal. For an extra decorative touch, lightly crimp the edges.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of your puff pastry stars with the egg wash to help them achieve that stunning golden color and a slight shine once baked.
- Bake Until Golden: Arrange the stars on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until puffed and beautifully golden brown.
Notes
- Keep It Cold: Chill your dough if it softens to maintain flakiness and prevent shrinking.
- Don’t Overfill: Use just a small amount of filling to avoid leaks and soggy bases.
- Even Thickness: Roll or press your pastry evenly for uniform puffing and baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Baking on parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Preheat the Oven: A fully heated oven is key for proper puff pastry rise and crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 star (approximate)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: puff pastry, star-shaped pastry, appetizer, snack, sweet pastry, savory pastry, quick recipe, flaky pastry, easy baking
