- 2 pre-made pie dough crusts (store-bought is fine)
- Strawberry jam (or your favorite fruit preserve)
- Knife
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a teaspoon of water)
- Sugar (for sprinkling)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
Prepare the Pie Dough Start by unrolling the two pie dough crusts. You’ll need to cut out four diamond shapes from the dough, so use a knife to carefully cut four diamonds from the two dough sheets. Add the Jam Next, place each diamond-shaped piece of dough on a clean surface or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a small amount of strawberry jam into the center of each diamond, about a tablespoon or so. Be sure not to overfill — you want enough jam to give a sweet center but not too much that it will ooze out when baked. Fold the Dough Into an Envelope Shape Now, fold each diamond shape up into an envelope, bringing the two side points toward the center, followed by the bottom point, to create the body of the "envelope." Leave the top flap open to resemble an envelope that has yet to be sealed. Gently press the edges of the dough together to help hold the shape. Cut Out Heart Shapes Use a knife, or small heart cookie cutter, to cut out four small hearts from the remaining dough. These will be the decorative seals for your love letters. Place one heart on the center of each envelope. Brush with Butter or Egg Wash To give your love letter envelopes a golden, crispy finish, brush each one with melted butter or an egg wash. To make an egg wash, simply beat one egg with a teaspoon of water and brush it onto the dough. The egg wash will create a beautiful, shiny glaze. If you're using butter, just melt it and use a pastry brush to coat the dough lightly. Sprinkle with Sugar For a sweet touch, lightly sprinkle each love letter with sugar. This adds a bit of sparkle and extra sweetness that makes these treats even more irresistible. Bake Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the love letter envelopes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brow. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning. The sugar will caramelize slightly, creating a delightful crunch. Let Cool and Enjoy Once the envelopes are golden and baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. These treats are best served warm, but they’re delicious at room temperature as well!
