Cute Homemade Love Letter Treats

Featured in Sweet Endings and Treats.

These Vegan Love Letter Pastries transform simple ingredients into charming heart-decorated treats. The recipe features a homemade 4-ingredient pastry that bakes up perfectly flaky and golden, filled with sweet strawberry jam. Shaped like little envelopes and topped with cute pastry hearts, they make an ideal gift for showing someone you care. While they look impressive, they're surprisingly easy to make, requiring just basic ingredients and simple folding techniques. Best enjoyed fresh, these pastries offer a delightful combination of crispy layers and fruity filling.
A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:43:37 GMT
Heart-shaped vegan pastries filled with sweet flavors, perfect for sharing your love. Pin it
Heart-shaped vegan pastries filled with sweet flavors, perfect for sharing your love. | tasteofcook.com

Delicate, flaky pastries folded into charming love letter shapes bring a touch of romance to your baking. Filled with sweet jam and brushed to golden perfection, these vegan treats are perfect for any special occasion or as a heartfelt gift.

After making these pastries for a friend's engagement party, I realized they're not just desserts—they're edible love notes, bringing joy to any celebration.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Dairy-Free Butter: Use cold, block-style butter for maximum flakiness.
  • Flour: Fine-milled flour creates the delicate, light texture.
  • Jam: Thick, high-quality preserves prevent leaks during baking.
  • Ice Water: Keeps the dough cold for perfect lamination.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First: Preparing the Dough
Combine flour and cold butter, cutting until pea-sized crumbs form. Add ice water gradually until dough comes together. Chill for 30 minutes.
Second: Shaping the Pastries
Roll dough into a thin sheet. Cut into even diamond shapes using a ruler for precision.
Third: Adding the Filling
Place a small dollop of jam in the center of each diamond. Avoid overfilling to maintain clean edges.
Fourth: Folding the Love Letters
Fold two opposite corners toward the center, pressing gently to seal. Brush with plant milk for golden browning.
Flaky vegan love letter pastries with a tender crust and delightful filling. Pin it
Flaky vegan love letter pastries with a tender crust and delightful filling. | tasteofcook.com

These pastries became my go-to for romantic occasions after I created a "love letter wall" at a wedding shower. Guests were enchanted by the presentation, and the pastries disappeared in minutes!

Creative Variations

  • Spring: Fill with lavender-infused jam for a floral twist.
  • Summer: Use fresh berry preserves for a vibrant flavor.
  • Fall: Try apple butter for a cozy seasonal treat.
  • Winter: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for warming spice.
Elegant vegan pastries shaped like love letters, ideal for romantic or special occasions. Pin it
Elegant vegan pastries shaped like love letters, ideal for romantic or special occasions. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does the butter need to be cold?
Cold butter creates flaky layers in the pastry as it melts during baking, resulting in a better texture.
→ Can I use different jam flavors?
Yes, any vegan-friendly jam works well - try raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry for variety.
→ Why isn't my dough coming together?
Add ice water gradually, just until the dough forms. Too much water will make it sticky and hard to work with.
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
They're best fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
→ Why do you sprinkle sugar before baking?
The sugar helps achieve a golden color and adds a crispy texture to the pastry top.

Sweet Vegan Love Letter Pastries

These charming vegan love letter pastries combine flaky homemade pastry with sweet strawberry jam for a delightful treat perfect for gifting.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 pastries)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Pastry Dough

01 240g plain flour
02 2 tablespoons caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
03 220g dairy-free block butter, cold and cut into small cubes
04 Ice-water, as needed (1-2 tablespoons)

→ Filling and Finishing

05 1 jar vegan-friendly strawberry jam
06 Dairy-free milk for brushing
07 Icing sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 01

Sift flour and sugar in a medium bowl. Add cold cubed dairy-free butter and mix until the mixture resembles sand. You can use hands or a food processor.

Step 02

Gradually add ice water, 1/2 tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together. Aim for a smooth, slightly sticky consistency.

Step 03

Wrap dough in greaseproof paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 170°C fan. Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Step 05

Roll dough between floured greaseproof paper into a large rectangle. Cut into 10cm diamond shapes. Cut hearts from remaining dough.

Step 06

Add strawberry jam to diamond centers. Fold three corners (sides and bottom) to center like an envelope. Press to seal. Brush with dairy-free milk and top with heart cutouts.

Step 07

Sprinkle with sugar and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool and crisp up before dusting with icing sugar.

Notes

  1. Best eaten on day of making or within 2 days
  2. Store in fridge and bring to room temperature before serving
  3. Can be finished with a simple glaze if desired

Tools You'll Need

  • Rolling pin
  • Heart-shaped cookie cutter
  • Baking trays
  • Greaseproof paper
  • Food processor (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (flour)