Name: Vegan Love Letter Pastries
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 240g plain flour; 2 tablespoons caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling); 220g dairy-free block butter (cold and cut into small cubes); Ice-water (as needed); 1 jar vegan-friendly strawberry jam; Dairy-free milk (optional); Icing sugar (dusting, optional)

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Hey there, fellow bakers! If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about a sweet treat that’s both delicious and a little whimsical, then let me introduce you to Vegan Love Letter Pastries. These delightful pastries are not just a dessert; they’re a love letter to anyone with a sweet tooth. Perfect for what I like to call “sugar therapy,” this recipe is all about creating something beautiful and scrumptious in your kitchen. So grab your apron and let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Love Letter Pastries

Now, you might be wondering what makes these Vegan Love Letter Pastries so special. For starters, they are light and flaky with a luscious filling of vegan-friendly strawberry jam. They embody the essence of a cozy evening with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, they come together more easily than you might think, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers.

These pastries are all about intention, fun, and presenting your love for baking. Vegan or not, everyone will appreciate the effort and delicious taste. Not to mention, they are visually stunning, so they double as a playful centerpiece for any gathering or cozy night in. Imagine the delight on your loved ones’ faces when they see these charming little envelopes filled with sweet surprises!

Step-by-Step: Making Vegan Love Letter Pastries

Ready to create your own Vegan Love Letter Pastries? Let’s break this down into simple steps. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Ingredients

240g of plain flour
2 tablespoons of caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
220g of dairy-free block butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
Ice-water (see method)
1 jar of vegan-friendly strawberry jam
Dairy-free milk (optional)
Icing sugar (dusting, optional)

Directions

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This first step gets things moving and helps the pastries bake evenly.
Make the Pastry Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour and caster sugar. Add in the cold dairy-free butter cubes. Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour mix until you achieve a crumbly texture resembling breadcrumbs.
Add Ice-Water: Gradually add ice water to the mixture, a tablespoon at a time, while mixing with a spatula. You’re aiming for a dough that holds together but isn’t sticky. Once ready, form it into a ball, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Roll It Out: Once the dough is chilled, dust your work surface with flour and roll it out to about 0.5 cm thick. Use a sharp knife to cut squares, around 10cm by 10cm.
Fill with Jam: Place a spoonful of strawberry jam in the center of each square. Be generous, but not too much, or it might overflow.
Fold and Seal: Carefully bring the corners of each square together to form an envelope shape. Pinch the edges to seal the pastry well, this is where your love goes in!
Prepare for Baking: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place your pastries on the tray, leaving space for expansion. If you like, brush some dairy-free milk on top and sprinkle with extra caster sugar for that golden finish.
Bake: Bake for around 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar before serving if you fancy a little extra sweetness!

Best Ways to Serve Vegan Love Letter Pastries

These Vegan Love Letter Pastries are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

With Tea or Coffee: Pair your pastries with a warm cup of chamomile tea or a strong coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
Dusted with Icing Sugar: A light dusting of icing sugar elevates their appearance, making them even more enticing.
Add Fresh Fruit: Serve them alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a lovely contrast of flavors and textures.

How to Store Leftover Vegan Love Letter Pastries

If you’re lucky enough to have some leftovers, you’ll want to keep those babies fresh! Here’s how:

Cool Completely: Make sure the pastries have cooled down completely before storing them.
Use an Airtight Container: Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, they maintain their delightful texture.
Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want them to last longer, freeze the unbaked filled pastries in a single layer, then transfer them to a container or zip lock bag. When you’re ready for more, bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Expert Tips for Perfect Vegan Love Letter Pastries

Here are some handy pro tips to ensure you create the best Vegan Love Letter Pastries:

Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure your butter is cold, this creates flakier pastries.
Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to add a lot of jam, too much can cause the pastries to burst while baking.
Experiment with Fillings: While strawberry jam is lovely, feel free to experiment with other fruit jams or even nut butters for a different twist.

Delicious Variations of Vegan Love Letter Pastries

Looking to mix things up? Here are some variations to try:

Chocolate Hazelnut Filling: Switch out the strawberry jam for vegan chocolate hazelnut spread. You’ll create a decadent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
Mixed Berry Filling: Combine different berries for a fruity explosion, using a mix of blueberry, raspberry, and blackcurrant jams.
Savory Option: You could also fill these pastries with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and nutritional yeast for a savory snack.

FAQs

Can I make these pastries gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of plain flour. Just ensure that the other ingredients (like the dairy-free butter) are also gluten-free.

How can I make them more sweet?
If you want your pastries to be sweeter, consider adding extra sugar to the dough or using a sweeter jam.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes! Chilling the dough helps improve its texture and makes it easier to handle. It also prevents the butter from melting too quickly while baking, resulting in a flakier pastry.

Now you’re all set to create these delightful Vegan Love Letter Pastries! Remember, baking is about joy and creativity. Let your personality shine through as you make these sweet little treasures, and enjoy every bite. Happy baking!