1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the pastries bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet.

2️⃣ Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the puff pastry into 4 equal squares. Make sure the edges are neatly trimmed for an even appearance.

3️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The cream cheese filling will provide a rich, sweet base for the pastries.

4️⃣ Assemble the Pastries:
Spoon a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Top the cream cheese with a tablespoon of cherry pie filling. The combination of sweet cream cheese and tart cherries creates a deliciously balanced flavor.

5️⃣ Fold the Pastry:
Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, overlapping slightly to enclose the filling. This creates a beautiful, rustic shape and locks in the creamy filling and juicy cherries.

6️⃣ Brush with Egg Wash:
Brush the pastries with the beaten egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish. Optionally, sprinkle with granulated sugar for added sweetness and crunch. The egg wash helps the pastries puff up nicely during baking.

7️⃣ Bake:
Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed. The pastry will expand beautifully, and the filling will soften to perfection. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

8️⃣ Serve:
Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. These treats are best enjoyed while still warm, but they also make a great make-ahead breakfast or snack.