15 Homemade Pastries That Are Surprisingly Simple and Totally Delicious

Homemade pastries don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. In fact, some of the most mouth-watering treats can be made with just a handful of ingredients and simple steps. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just satisfy your sweet tooth, these easy pastry recipes are perfect for bakers of all skill levels. From classic favorites to modern twists, you’ll find something here that’s both surprisingly simple and totally delicious.

Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers

Making apple turnovers at home is easier than you think. Start with store-bought puff pastry and roll it out slightly. Peel and chop two apples, then toss them with cinnamon, sugar, and a little lemon juice. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture onto each puff pastry square, fold it into a triangle, and press the edges to seal. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. The result is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet, spiced apples.

Simple Chocolate Croissants

These chocolate croissants are a cheat version of the French classic, and they’re so simple! Use ready-made puff pastry and cut it into triangles. Place a few pieces of chocolate or chocolate chips at the wide end of each triangle and roll them up toward the point. Brush with an egg wash and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. The puff pastry will become golden and crispy, with the melted chocolate oozing from the center.

Easy Cream Cheese Danish

Cream cheese danishes are a bakery staple, but you can make them at home with minimal effort. Grab some store-bought crescent roll dough and unroll it into rectangles. Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together, then spread it onto the dough. Fold the corners of the dough over the filling and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. You’ll end up with a golden, flaky pastry with a rich and creamy filling that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers

Cinnamon sugar palmiers are as easy as they are delicious. Start with store-bought puff pastry and roll it out. Brush the surface with melted butter and sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon sugar over the top. Fold the pastry from both ends to meet in the middle, then slice into pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until crisp and golden. These delicate, crunchy pastries are perfect for snacking or pairing with a cup of coffee.

Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

These thumbprint cookies are quick and easy, and they’re bursting with fruity flavor. Mix together butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla to make a simple dough. Roll the dough into small balls, then press your thumb into each one to create an indentation. Fill each indentation with raspberry jam and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. The result is a soft, buttery cookie with a sweet, jammy center that’s perfect for any occasion.

Flaky Biscuit Donuts

You won’t believe how easy it is to make donuts at home with canned biscuits! Simply pop open a can of biscuit dough and cut a hole in the center of each one. Fry the dough in hot oil until golden brown on both sides, then toss in a cinnamon-sugar mixture or glaze with a simple powdered sugar icing. These homemade donuts are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they’re ready in minutes.

Lemon Glazed Scones

Lemon glazed scones are a bright and zesty treat that’s perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in some lemon zest and milk until the dough comes together, then shape it into a circle and cut into wedges. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, then drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Biscotti may seem fancy, but this chocolate chip version is surprisingly easy to make. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and eggs to form a dough, then stir in chocolate chips. Shape the dough into a log and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Slice the log into pieces and bake again to get that classic crunchy texture. These biscotti are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea and have a delicious chocolatey flavor.

Peach Hand Pies

Peach hand pies are an easy and portable way to enjoy the taste of pie. Use pre-made pie crusts and cut them into circles. Fill each circle with a spoonful of peach filling made from diced peaches, sugar, and cornstarch. Fold the dough over, seal the edges with a fork, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. These hand pies have a flaky crust and sweet peach filling that’s perfect for summer.

Nutella-Stuffed Pastry Twists

Nutella pastry twists are an easy, indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy. Roll out a sheet of puff pastry and spread a layer of Nutella over half of it. Fold the pastry in half, then slice into strips. Twist each strip and place them on a baking sheet. Brush with an egg wash and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. These crispy, chocolate-filled twists are perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.

Strawberry Cream Puffs

Cream puffs might seem fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to make at home. Start by making a basic choux pastry with butter, water, flour, and eggs. Pipe small rounds of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F until they puff up and turn golden. While they cool, whip some heavy cream with sugar and fold in chopped strawberries. Slice the puffs in half, fill with the cream mixture, and enjoy these light, fluffy treats filled with fresh berries.

Almond Bear Claws

Almond bear claws are a delightful pastry that looks intricate but is easy to prepare. Use store-bought puff pastry and cut it into rectangles. Mix together almond paste, sugar, and a little butter, then spread the mixture onto each rectangle. Fold the pastry over the filling, cut small slits into the edges, and fan them out to create the bear claw shape. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sliced almonds, and bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes. The result is a crispy, sweet pastry with a nutty almond center.

Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry muffins are a classic and easy-to-make pastry that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, then stir in melted butter, milk, and an egg. Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries, and scoop the batter into muffin cups. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until the tops are golden brown. These muffins are fluffy and packed with juicy blueberries, making them a simple and delicious homemade treat.

Homemade Pop-Tarts

Making homemade pop-tarts is easier than you might think, and they taste way better than store-bought! Start with pre-made pie crusts and cut them into rectangles. Spread a spoonful of your favorite jam or jelly in the center of one rectangle, then place another rectangle on top and seal the edges with a fork. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden, then drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. These flaky, sweet pop-tarts are perfect for breakfast or an on-the-go snack.

Vanilla Bean Éclairs

Éclairs may look difficult, but they’re actually pretty easy to make at home. Begin by making choux pastry using butter, water, flour, and eggs. Pipe the dough into long strips and bake at 400°F until puffed and golden. While they cool, make a vanilla pastry cream by heating milk with a vanilla bean, then whisking in sugar, eggs, and cornstarch. Fill the éclairs with the cream and top with a chocolate glaze. These delicious pastries are sure to impress with their creamy filling and crisp shell.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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