Irresistible Cream and Berry-Filled Pastry Balls: A Sweet Delight for All Occasions

★Ingredients

For the Pastry Balls:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)

For the Cream Filling:

For the Berry Filling:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Assembly:

1. Prepare the Berry Filling:

In a saucepan, combine the mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
Let it cool to room temperature.

2. Prepare the Pastry Dough:

In a bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. You may not need all the water.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

3. Prepare the Cream Filling:

In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Pastry Balls:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
Cut the dough into small squares (about 2 inches) using a knife or a pastry cutter.
Place a small spoonful of berry filling in the center of each dough square.
Top each with a dollop of cream filling.
Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a small ball, pinching the edges to seal well.
Place the pastry balls on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake and Serve:

Enjoy!