Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these vegan love letter pastries! Seriously, they are little bites of happiness wrapped in flaky goodness, and the best part? They’re filled with sweet fruit jam that just melts in your mouth. I mean, who wouldn’t want to share these adorable heart-shaped treats with someone special? They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy date night, a birthday celebration, or just because you want to spread some love! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, so you don’t have to be a baking pro to impress your friends or that special someone. Trust me, when you pull these out of the oven, the aroma alone will fill your kitchen with love! Get ready to make some memories with these delightful pastries!
Ingredients for Vegan Love Letter Pastries
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fruit jam (any flavor you love!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results! And feel free to get creative with your jam choice—my favorite is raspberry, but strawberry or apricot works beautifully too. You’ll want to have these ingredients on hand for a delightful baking adventure!
How to Prepare Vegan Love Letter Pastries
Preheat the Oven
Alright, let’s get started! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your pastries bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color. I always like to set the timer for a few minutes, so it’s nice and toasty by the time I’m ready to pop those lovelies in!
Prepare the Dough
Now, grab a mixing bowl and start by whisking together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This is where the magic begins! Once that’s blended, add in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until you get a smooth and slightly sticky dough. If it feels too dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash more almond milk—just a little at a time. The goal is a dough that’s soft but holds together beautifully!
Shape the Pastries
Time to have some fun! Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. I like to use a rolling pin for this, but if you don’t have one, a wine bottle works in a pinch! Once it’s rolled out, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or a knife if you’re feeling adventurous!) to cut out heart shapes. Don’t worry if they’re not all perfect; that just adds to their charm. Just make sure to handle the dough gently to keep it from becoming tough!
Fill and Seal
Now, let’s get to the sweet part! Take half of your heart shapes and place a spoonful of fruit jam right in the center of each. Don’t be shy—give them a nice dollop! Then, take the remaining heart shapes and carefully place them on top. Press down gently around the edges to seal them up. I like to use my fingers to crimp the edges a bit, making sure they’re tightly sealed so that delicious jam doesn’t escape while baking. It’s all about that love!
Bake the Pastries
Alright, it’s time for the oven! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your filled pastries on it. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen starts smelling heavenly and the edges look crisp. Let them cool for a few minutes before you dive in—trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even start? Making these vegan love letter pastries is such a breeze, and that’s one of the best parts! You can whip them up in just about 35 minutes, which is perfect for those spontaneous moments when you want to spread some love without spending all day in the kitchen. The delicious flavor is another standout feature—who can resist that flaky crust paired with sweet fruit jam? It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!
These pastries are also incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or just a cozy night in, these heart-shaped delights are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to receive one. Plus, they’re vegan, so they cater to a wider audience, allowing everyone to enjoy a little taste of love. I’m telling you, once you make these, you’ll be finding excuses to bake them again and again!
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your vegan love letter pastries turn out absolutely perfect! First off, when you’re handling the dough, be gentle. Overworking it can lead to tough pastries, and nobody wants that! If your dough feels a bit too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface. Just remember, flour is your friend, but don’t go overboard!
When it comes to sealing those adorable hearts, make sure you press down firmly around the edges, and if you want to add some flair, crimp them with a fork or your fingers. This not only looks cute but also helps to keep that precious jam from oozing out while they bake. Trust me, you want all that sweetness inside!
And here’s a little secret: keep an eye on your pastries during the last few minutes of baking. Ovens can be sneaky, and you don’t want to end up with overbaked beauties. You’re looking for a lovely golden color and that irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen. If they’re browning too fast, just cover them lightly with some foil to protect them while they finish baking.
Lastly, let them cool for a few minutes before digging in. I know it’s hard to resist, but this step helps them set up nicely and makes for a delightful eating experience. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up: the nutritional values for these vegan love letter pastries can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I do my best to provide accurate information, it’s always a good idea to check packaging for precise numbers. On average, each pastry contains about 150 calories, with 8 grams of sugar and 2 grams of protein. Remember, these delightful treats are all about balance, so enjoy them as part of a lovely meal or dessert spread!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve made these scrumptious vegan love letter pastries, and now you’re probably wondering how to keep them fresh for later. If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days, but if you want to keep them around longer, I recommend storing them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re sealed well to prevent them from drying out!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. If you want to enjoy that warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore that lovely flaky texture. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it! You don’t want them to get chewy. Just enough to warm them through is perfect!
And trust me, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a warm pastry filled with sweet jam! Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of jam for the filling?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these vegan love letter pastries is their versatility. You can use any fruit jam you love—strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s a flavor that makes your heart sing!
Are these pastries gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe isn’t gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour. However, if you want to make them gluten-free, you can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency, as gluten-free flours can behave differently!
How do I store the leftovers?
Great question! If you have any pastries leftover (which is a rarity, I know!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, the fridge is your friend—just make sure they’re sealed well to keep them fresh for up to a week!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can totally prep these vegan love letter pastries ahead of time! You can make the dough, shape the hearts, and fill them with jam, then freeze them before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight from the freezer into the oven—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a perfect way to have a sweet treat ready to go!
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is a bit too sticky, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little more flour onto your work surface and knead it in gently until the dough is manageable. Remember, adding flour gradually is key to getting that lovely soft texture without making it tough!
Can I use another oil instead of coconut oil?
Sure thing! If you’re not a fan of coconut oil, you can substitute it with another neutral oil, like vegetable oil or canola oil. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change a bit, but it will still be delicious!
Print
Vegan Love Letter Pastries: 5 Ways to Spread Sweet Joy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious vegan pastries filled with love and sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fruit jam
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
- Cut the dough into heart shapes.
- Place a spoonful of fruit jam on half of the hearts.
- Cover with the remaining hearts and seal the edges.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use any fruit jam of your choice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These pastries are best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan love letter pastries, vegan desserts, heart-shaped pastries
