Cream and Berry Pastry Balls

1. Prepare the Pastry Balls:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into small squares (about 2 inches by 2 inches each).
   • Brush each square with a light coating of melted butter, then fold the corners of each square to the center to form a ball shape.
   • Place the pastry balls onto the prepared baking sheet. If you’d like, lightly sprinkle sugar over the top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
   • Bake the pastry balls for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Cream Filling:
   • While the pastry balls are cooling, make the cream filling. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer or a whisk until soft peaks form.
   • Be careful not to overwhip; you want the cream to be light and fluffy, not too stiff.
3. Prepare the Berry Topping:
   • If desired, lightly drizzle the berries with honey or maple syrup to enhance their sweetness, then set them aside. You can also lightly mash some of the berries for a mixed berry topping.
4. Assemble the Pastry Balls:
   • Once the pastry balls have cooled, use a small knife or a pastry bag to make a small hole in the center of each ball. You can also cut them in half if preferred for easier filling.
   • Spoon or pipe a generous amount of whipped cream into the center of each pastry ball.
   • Top the cream with fresh berries. You can use whole berries or a mix of mashed and whole berries for a more textured topping.
5. Serve:
   • Arrange the filled pastry balls on a platter and serve immediately. For extra flair, dust with powdered sugar just before serving, or drizzle with a bit more honey.

Tips:

• Pastry Variations: You can use other types of pastry dough if puff pastry isn’t available, such as phyllo dough or even croissant dough, but puff pastry will give you the best flaky texture.
• Make-Ahead: You can make the pastry balls ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fill them with cream and berries just before serving to keep them fresh.
• Berry Variations: Feel free to mix and match the berries according to what’s in season or your preferences. Raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced strawberries all work wonderfully.
• Other Fillings: You can swap the cream filling for a custard or lemon curd for a different flavor profile.

These Cream and Berry Pastry Balls are a simple yet elegant dessert that’s bursting with flavor and texture. With flaky pastry, rich cream, and the sweetness of fresh berries, they’re a treat you’ll love to make and enjoy!