Save Flaky puff pastry envelopes a warmly spiced gingerbread filling, creating a whimsical, cozy treat perfect for holiday mornings or festive dessert tables.
This recipe has been a family favorite, bringing warmth and festive spirit to our holiday gatherings every year.
Ingredients
- For the 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
- For the Puff Pastry: 2 sheets (about 500 g) ready-rolled puff pastry, chilled, 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- For 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 Making these pockets always brings the family together in the kitchen, filling the house with joyful aromas and laughter.
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
Calories: 310, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 37 g, Protein: 3 g per serving
Save Enjoy these delightful pockets fresh from the oven for best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What type of pastry is used for the pockets?
Ready-rolled puff pastry provides a flaky, buttery base that crisps beautifully when baked.
- → How is the spiced filling prepared?
Butter and brown sugar are creamed, then molasses and egg yolk are added. Dry spices including ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are combined with flour and folded in to form a soft dough.
- → Can these pockets be decorated?
Yes, once baked and cooled, dust with powdered sugar and add mini chocolate chips or icing to create whimsical sleeping faces.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for this preparation?
Plant-based butter, egg replacers, and vegan puff pastry can be used to make a vegan-friendly version.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 16–18 minutes until the pockets puff up and turn golden brown.