Happy 2022!
Now you might be asking yourself what in the world are Pastelitos (Guava and cheese pastries)? Well, let me tell you that they are just a little bit of heaven. These tiny pastries are soft, flaky, and full of the incredible combination of guava and cream cheese. Sounds incredible, right?
I had never heard of Pastelitos myself until I met my husband. He is Cuban and these were pretty much a staple in his life. When I went to visit him while we were dating, I had one of these from a nearby bakery and oh my goodness, it forever changed my life.
The pastry is so soft and the guava and the cream cheese come together with just the perfect balance of sweet and savory. You can also make these with just guava but why would you. In fact, the bakeries that do make always have both kinds and most of the time they are sold out of the guava and cheese first. There is a reason for that. I promise 😉
Living away from where he grew up makes it difficult to have them now. Whenever family does visit, however, they know to bring a box of them for us. Such a wonderful thing! 🙂 I’m not sure if I’m more excited about having the Pastelitos or seeing the family. (just kidding)
Pastelitos (Guava and Cheese Pastries)
Ingredients
- 1 container (Goya Guava Paste)
- 4-6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 box Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry dough, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tbsp of water
- 2 tbsp sugar, optional
- powdered sugar, optional
Instructions
- Prep! Gather and measure all ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-cooking spray.
- Beat egg with 1 tbsp water.
- Take one sheet of pastry dough and open until flat and square. Using a rolling pin, roll out flat until most areas are flattened. It should only take a pass or two over the dough. You aren't trying to flatten it but simply even it out.
- Using a pizza cutter or any sharp knife, cut into three columns and then three columns the other direction. It should look like a tic-tac-toe board.
- Take one square and place about a heaping tablespoon of guava paste into the center of the square.
- Then, take a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese and place on top of the guava paste.
- Using your finger, dip into the egg wash and wipe around all four sides of the square.
- Take a second dough piece and lay it on top of the first one pressing the sides together to form a seal.
- Use a fork and gently press down with the tongs on all of the sides to seal them closed.
- With a silicone brush, brush the tops lightly with the egg wash.
- Make three slits on the top using a sharp knife. Then, sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove when finished and let cool completely. Dust with additional powdered sugar, if desired.
