Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Knots Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet, flaky, and downright irresistible treat, you’re going to adore this Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Knots Recipe. I absolutely love how these little knots turn out—light, buttery puff pastry wrapped around creamy, dreamy cream cheese with a burst of cherry pie filling. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a special snack. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your new go-to dessert or morning delight!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to give you that melt-in-your-mouth, flaky crust with luscious cherry and cream cheese filling. Grab good quality puff pastry and cream cheese for best results—trust me, it makes a huge difference.

• Refrigerated puff pastry: I always use Wewalka brand because it puffs beautifully and handles well.
• Canned cherry pie filling: This adds that juicy, sweet-tart flavor that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
• Softened cream cheese: Make sure it’s nicely softened for smooth mixing and easy spreading.
• Egg (beaten): For brushing the knots and mixing with the cream cheese filling—adds shine and helps everything brown.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness in the cream cheese mix to complement the cherries.
• Almond extract: A tiny touch gives a lovely hint of nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with cherry.
• Sliced almonds: For garnish—adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
• Coarse sugar crystals (optional): Sprinkle on top before baking for a sparkling finish.
• Powdered sugar and milk: For the glaze drizzle—keeps everything looking and tasting like a bakery treat.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Knots Recipe sometimes—adding my personal twists helps keep it fresh and exciting. You can easily tweak things based on what you have or your flavor preferences.

• Berry Swap: I’ve swapped cherry pie filling for blueberry or raspberry for a nice change of pace—just as delicious!
• Nut-Free: If you’re avoiding nuts, simply skip the almond extract and sliced almonds—it still tastes amazing.
• Mini Version: Make smaller knots for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or kids’ snacks.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and a vegan puff pastry for a friendly twist.

How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Knots Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry Strips and Twist

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—this ensures it’s hot enough to make the puff pastry rise gorgeously. Unroll your refrigerated puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the sheet lengthwise into eight strips, about an inch wide each. Then cut those strips in half widthwise so you end up with 16 shorter strips overall. Now, fold each strip in half, pressing the edges lightly together, lay two folded strips side by side, twist them together and pinch the ends. Finally, roll the twist into a loose knot and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This twist-and-knot technique looks complex but is actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it—keep your edges sealed gently to stop the cheese filling from oozing out.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling and Add Egg Wash

In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of beaten egg until smooth and creamy. This filling is what makes these knots absolutely irresistible. Then, brush each knot gently with the remaining beaten egg to give them that glossy, golden finish when baked. If you like a bit of sparkle, now’s the time to sprinkle coarse sugar crystals on top—this is totally optional but adds such a fun touch.

Step 3: Bake, Add Cherry Topping, and Finish Baking

Bake the knots for 10-15 minutes in the preheated oven until you see the edges just starting to turn golden brown—this step is key to avoid burning but still gaining crispness. Take the baking sheet out carefully and spoon about a tablespoon of your cream cheese mixture into the center of each knot. On top of that, place three cherries with pie filling—you want that juicy pop front and center. Return the knots to the oven for another 5-10 minutes or until the puff pastry is a gorgeous golden brown all over. Let them cool on a rack before the final glaze and almond sprinkle.

Step 4: Drizzle Glaze and Add Sliced Almonds

Mix the powdered sugar with the milk to form a smooth glaze and drizzle it lightly over your cooled knots. Then sprinkle on sliced almonds for some crunch and that bakery-level look. I discovered this little finishing touch ups the presentation and flavor big time—it’s these details that make you feel like a pro in the kitchen!

How to Serve Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Knots Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish these knots with extra sliced almonds and a quick powdered sugar drizzle for that lovely bakery look. Sometimes I add a fresh mint leaf on top for a pop of color and fresh aroma—it always impresses guests!

Side Dishes

These knots pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a fresh fruit salad on the side. For brunch, I enjoy serving them with scrambled eggs or a light green salad to balance that sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I arrange these cherry knots on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries scattered around. It makes for an inviting centerpiece! Another idea I’ve tried is placing each knot in a pretty paper cupcake liner to keep things neat and easy for guests to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps keep the pastry flaky without drying out the cream cheese.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these knots after baking by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to bring back that crispiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you can—it makes the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Knots Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to brighten up breakfast or brunch gatherings. There’s something so satisfying about biting into that crisp, airy pastry with luscious cheese and cherry filling nestled inside. I love how easy it is to make but how impressive it looks and tastes. You’ll find that making these knots is a delightful little kitchen adventure that will have your family and friends asking for more. Honestly, I can’t recommend this recipe enough—give it a try, and I bet it’ll soon be a staple in your recipe box just like it is in mine!

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