Save to Pinterest 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 become a holiday favorite in my family, filling our home with warm spices and sweet aromas each 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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a medium bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in molasses and egg yolk.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Form Dough:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a soft gingerbread dough forms. Set aside.
- Prepare Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal rectangles (8 total).
- Fill Pastry Pockets:
- 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).
- Arrange and Brush:
- Arrange the pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Decorate:
- Cool slightly. If desired, dust with powdered sugar and use chocolate chips or icing to make sleeping faces on each pocket.
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save to Pinterest Sharing these gingerbread pockets during family gatherings always creates joyful memories and warmth.
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 to Pinterest Enjoy these delightful gingerbread pockets fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep the puff pastry crisp?
Ensure the pastry is well chilled before baking and avoid overfilling. Baking at the right temperature helps achieve a crisp, golden texture.
- → Can I add citrus flavor to the filling?
Yes, adding a pinch of orange zest brightens the spiced gingerbread filling without overpowering its warmth.
- → What is the best way to seal the pastry edges?
Pinch the edges firmly and use a fork to crimp them, which helps prevent filling leakage and adds a decorative touch.
- → Are there vegan options for this pastry?
Use plant-based butter, egg replacer, and vegan puff pastry to make these pockets suitable for a vegan diet.
- → How should the pockets be served?
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar and decorated with mini chocolate chips or icing.