• Step 1 – Preparing the Ingredients
• Before you start, make sure your puff pastry is thawed. If you're using store-bought frozen puff pastry, follow the package instructions for thawing, which usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature.
• Next, take the cream cheese out of the fridge and let it soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This ensures the cream cheese blends easily with the other ingredients.

Step 2 – Crafting the Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The result should be a rich, velvety cream cheese filling that is neither too runny nor too stiff.

Step 3 – Assembling the Pastry

• Now comes the fun part—assembling your pastries. Lay the puff pastry on a floured surface and roll it out evenly. If you’re using pre-rolled pastry, it should be the perfect thickness. If not, roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick.
• Cut the puff pastry into squares, triangles, or rectangles, depending on the shape you prefer. Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each piece of pastry. Leave a small border around the edges to stop the filling from spilling out during baking. For a flavorful variation, consider applying a thin layer of fruit jam—raspberry or strawberry—over the cream cheese prior to folding the pastry.