Puff pastry rolls filled with cream

Puff pastry rolls filled with cream cheese and strawberries

Who doesn't love a quick and delicious dessert that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones? Puff pastry rolls filled with cream cheese and strawberries are a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner, a party, or simply a weekend treat. This dessert is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, and the combination of textures and flavors will make every bite a pleasure.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Number of servings: 8 rolls

Ingredients:
- 2 packages of puff pastry (about 230 g each)
- 250 g sweet cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 1 packet of powdered whipped cream (about 125 ml of milk needed for preparation)
- 150 g fresh strawberries
- 200 g dark cooking chocolate
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk

Recipe history:
Puff pastry rolls have a long tradition in various culinary cultures, appreciated for their versatility. Puff pastry, with its delicate and crispy layers, has been used for centuries to create a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Combined with cream cheese and fresh fruit, these rolls become a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dessert at home.

Preparing the puff pastry:
1. Open the package of puff pastry and roll it out on a clean surface. Use a knife or a pastry cutter to create strips 2.5 cm wide. Make sure the strips are uniform to achieve beautiful rolls.
2. Take special metal tubes for rolling (or you can even use wooden skewers, but make sure to cover them with parchment paper to prevent sticking) and wrap each strip of puff pastry around them, taking care to slightly overlap the edges for a good seal.

Baking the rolls:
3. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking.
4. Place the rolls on the tray, leaving enough space between them as they will expand during baking. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy. You will know they are ready when they start to emit a delicious aroma of butter and fresh muffins.

Preparing the cream cheese:
5. In a plastic bowl, add the sweet cheese, whipped cream (prepared according to the package instructions), and powdered sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to mix the ingredients well until you achieve a smooth and fluffy cream.
6. Wash and drain the strawberries, then mash them with a fork or blender to obtain a fine puree. Add the strawberry puree to the cream cheese and gently mix to achieve a uniform composition with small pieces of strawberries.

Filling the rolls:
7. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, carefully remove them from the tubes. Use a piping bag to fill each roll with the cream cheese and strawberries. If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag with a cut corner, which will work just as well.

Preparing the chocolate:
8. In a small bowl, place the cooking chocolate and the 2 tablespoons of milk. Heat in a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Finishing the dessert:
9. Pour the melted chocolate over the rolls, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Decorate with sliced strawberries for an appetizing look and a burst of freshness.
10. Serve the rolls warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips:
- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream or use chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
- Instead of strawberries, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches to add a personal twist to the recipe.
- If you love crunchy textures, you can sprinkle some crushed nuts or almonds on top of the rolls before baking.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen puff pastry? Yes, make sure to completely thaw it before use.
- What other flavors can I add to the cream? You can try adding vanilla extract, lemon zest, or cocoa to customize the flavor.
- How can I store the rolls? It is best to consume them fresh, but you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.

These puff pastry rolls filled with cream cheese and strawberries are an excellent choice for any time of the day. Enjoy!