Delectable Bollos: A Traditional Colombian Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 package of active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup of guava paste, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir until well mixed.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, and butter until very warm but not boiling.
  3. Gradually add the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the egg and mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
  7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  8. Roll each piece of dough into a rectangle. Place a slice of guava paste and a dollop of cream cheese in the center of each rectangle.
  9. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal.
  10. Place the filled bollos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each one to allow for expansion.
  11. Let the bollos rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they double in size.
  12. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  13. Bake the bollos in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  14. Remove the bollos from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
  15. Once cooled, dust the bollos with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients.
  • Saucepan - A small pan to heat the milk, water, and butter.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into rectangles.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet used to bake the bollos in the oven.
  • Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Greased Bowl - A bowl greased with oil or butter to allow the dough to rise.
  • Damp Cloth - A cloth used to cover the dough while it rises.
  • Wire Rack - Used to cool the bollos after baking.

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Add a tablespoon of cinnamon to the dough for a hint of spice.
  • Experiment with different fillings such as Nutella, dulce de leche, or chopped nuts.
  • Try using different fruit preserves or spreads instead of guava paste, like strawberry jam or mango puree.
  • Make savory bollos by filling them with ingredients like ham and cheese or spinach and feta.
  • Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the filling for an extra tropical flavor.
  • Replace the cream cheese with ricotta cheese or mascarpone cheese.
  • Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top of the bollos after they have cooled.
  • Make mini bollos by dividing the dough into smaller portions and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the milk with almond milk, the butter with vegan butter, and omit the egg. Ensure the guava paste or other fillings are vegan-friendly.

Recipe overview

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with this classic Latin American dessert, Bollos. Often enjoyed during breakfast or as a delightful snack, Bollos are sweet rolls filled with flavorful guava paste and creamy cheese, then dusted with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Made from basic pantry staples, these filled pastries are not only delicious but also quite simple to make. The process involves making a yeast-based dough, allowing it time to rise, and then filling it with your sweet and creamy ingredients. Once baked to a golden-brown finish, the Bollos are sure to impress with their tender texture and mouthwatering filling. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process step by step, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner testing the waters, this Bollos recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let's get baking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount of instant yeast as specified for active dry yeast.
  2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? While it's possible to use whole wheat flour, the texture and taste of the bollos may differ from the traditional recipe. All-purpose flour is recommended for best results.
  3. How can I store the bollos? Once cooled, store the bollos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month.
  4. Can I make the bollos in advance? Yes, you can make the bollos in advance. After baking and cooling, you can freeze the bollos in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes.
  5. Can I use a different filling? Absolutely! While the recipe suggests guava paste and cream cheese, you can experiment with other fillings such as dulce de leche, fruit preserves, or even savory fillings like ham and cheese.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Bollos, a sweet and savory pastry, hails from the vibrant culinary repertoire of Latin America. Its story is as rich and varied as the continent itself, with different variations seen from country to country. However, the guava and cheese filled bollos have a special place in the heart of Cuban cuisine. It is said that this delightful treat was a result of Spanish influence and the abundance of guava on the island. The Spanish brought their love for pastries, and Cubans added their twist with guava, a fruit they had in plenty. The sweet-tart guava paired with the creamy cheese makes a delicious combination. Over time, bollos have become a staple in Cuban bakeries and households alike, a testament to the island's knack for creating dishes that are simple, yet incredibly satisfying.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.