Save Flaky puff pastry envelopes a warmly spiced gingerbread filling, creating a whimsical, cozy treat perfect for holiday mornings or festive dessert tables.
I first tried making these pockets for a festive dessert table and they were an instant hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Filling: 120 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter softened, 100 g (1/2 cup) dark brown sugar, 80 g (1/4 cup) molasses, 1 large egg yolk, 180 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
- Puff Pastry: 2 sheets (about 500 g) ready-rolled puff pastry chilled, 1 large egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Decoration (Optional): 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting), 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or icing (for faces)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in molasses and egg yolk.
- Step 3:
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 4:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a soft gingerbread dough forms. Set aside.
- Step 5:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal rectangles (8 total).
- Step 6:
- Place a heaping tablespoon of gingerbread dough in the center of each rectangle. Fold the pastry over to create a pocket pinching the edges to seal (use a fork for a decorative edge).
- Step 7:
- Arrange the pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 16 18 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Step 9:
- Cool slightly. If desired, dust with powdered sugar and use chocolate chips or icing to make sleeping faces on each pocket.
- Step 10:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save These pockets always bring smiles during family gatherings especially when decorating the sleeping faces together.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or wooden spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, fork
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy. Check pastry and chocolate chips for traces of nuts or soy as applicable.
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 310, total fat 17 g, carbohydrates 37 g, protein 3 g
Save Serve these warm for a comforting treat dusted with powdered sugar or chilled for a festive dessert.
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread filling?
The filling includes ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a touch of baking soda and salt to balance flavors.
- → Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this dish?
Yes, ready-rolled puff pastry sheets are ideal for convenience and flaky texture.
- → How do I prevent the pastry pockets from leaking during baking?
Ensure you pinch the edges tightly and use a fork to seal and decorate the edges well before baking.
- → What are some serving suggestions for these pockets?
They pair wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and can be dusted with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- → Is there a vegan alternative for the ingredients?
You can substitute plant-based butter, egg replacer, and vegan puff pastry to create a vegan-friendly version.