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The holiday festivities are going full speed ahead from here on out, and I am right in the middle of baking season! As I’ve said many times before, holiday baking is my favorite kind of baking. Maybe it’s the festiveness of it, or maybe it’s just that desserts are flowing this month, but whatever it is I am loving it! So, in that spirit, behold: Festive Pocket Pastries.
They look delicious, right? I know, I drooled all over my keyboard too. But guess what else? After the recipe, I’ll show you how to make a ridiculously adorable tissue paper mug DIY too. These guys go hand in hand for an almost too adorable gift that is perfect for teachers, grandparents, school friends, and anyone who appreciates a good pastry.
I’m sure you are ready for me to get to the point, so let’s stop talking and start baking! I’m not one to advocate super intensive recipes (hello – I’m a mom) and these are so simple even the most unlikely bakers can whip them up! There are a number of different flavors pictured here, but you can use whatever flavors you can come up with. So here’s what you need:
- 2 ready-made pie crusts (any brand)
- Fillings of your choice
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
You can make the crust from scratch if you want, but since time is in short supply these days I am using a ready-made crust. The first thing you want to do is cut out your pastry shapes. My two favorites to use are rectangles and half-moons, but hearts, stars, or circles are great too. Divide them in half, and spread the first half out onto a cookie sheet or baking mat.
Next, it’s time for the fun part: fillings! My personal favorite of all time is apple/cinnamon, and for that you just cut up a whole Granny Smith apple into small chunks, mix it with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and drop it onto your pastry. Some other great fillings that I’m using here are s’mores, coconut/chocolate chips and apple/cinnamon/caramel. Jet-Puffed Mini Marshmallows, BAKER’S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut, and Kraft Caramel Bits are some of my favorite pantry staples. I always pick up some of each when I see the Kraft Bake Center at Walmart, and if I’m baking, chances are I will be using at least one of them!
So grab your chosen fillings and drop them onto your pastry bases. Make sure you aren’t going to overload them and cause fillings to spill out in the oven, so be sure to leave the edges free for about 1/2 inch all the way around. Check out all my flavors!
Once you have your fillings in, you need to put the tops on your pastries and seal the edges. There are a few ways to do this, but this is what works for me: First, fill a small cup with water. Next, wet your fingers, and run them around the edges of your pastry bases – this will act as a “glue” for when you put the tops on. After that, put the tops on (pressing the edges firmly) and then seal them with the edge of a fork all the way around.
Pop them in the oven at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until they are a golden, flaky brown and then set aside to cool.
Once cooled, whisk your almond milk and powdered sugar together until you have a paste-like texture. Drizzle it over your pastries, and you are ready to serve them! Want to get festive? Add sprinkles, food coloring, and more to your icing to make them POP!
That was super simple, right? And now as a bonus for reading all the way to the end, here is a quick DIY coffee mug craft that is perfect for gifting your pastries in!
For this all you need is a coffee mug, some scrap tissue paper, and dishwasher safe Mod Podge.
Just brush a layer of Mod Podge all over your mug, place your tissue paper strips, and then paint over two more layers. Voila – all done! This is perfect for kids to give grandparents, friends, teachers, and more!
WHEW! Are you exhausted yet? I know I am, so I’m going to curl up with my pastries, some hot cocoa, and a good book.
