Delicious Homemade Pastelitos Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup of cold water
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 cup of guava paste
  • 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup of powdered sugar (for dusting)

Steps and instructions

  1. Combine the all-purpose flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the butter to the bowl and use your fingers to mix it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Slowly add the cold water to the bowl, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles with a round cookie cutter.
  7. Place a small amount of guava paste and cream cheese in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
  8. Place the pastelitos on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with the beaten egg.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. Allow the pastelitos to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Dust the cooled pastelitos with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients.
  • Fork - Used for mixing the butter into the flour and sealing the pastelitos.
  • Plastic Wrap - Used to wrap and refrigerate the dough.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Round Cookie Cutter - Used to cut out circles of dough.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet used for baking the pastelitos.
  • Parchment Paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  • Pastry Brush - Used to brush the pastelitos with beaten egg.
  • Wire Rack - Used for cooling the baked pastelitos.

Recipe variations

  • Use puff pastry instead of the homemade dough for a flakier crust.
  • Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Experiment with different fillings such as apple or pineapple instead of guava paste.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the dough for added flavor.
  • Make a savory version by using ham and cheese as the filling instead of guava paste and cream cheese.
  • Try different shapes for the pastelitos, such as triangles or rectangles, instead of circles.
  • Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the filling for a crunchy texture.
  • Make a vegan version by using vegan butter and replacing the egg wash with a plant-based milk.
  • Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top of the pastelitos for a decadent twist.
  • Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or nutmeg, to enhance the flavors of the filling.

Recipe overview

Dive into the delectable world of Latin American pastries with this delicious recipe for Pastelitos. These sweet treats, filled with a delightful combination of guava paste and cream cheese, are a staple in many Hispanic cultures. Our recipe will guide you step by step through the process of making the tender, flaky dough from scratch, as well as assembling and baking these little pockets of sweetness. The final touch is a dusting of powdered sugar, making them an irresistible dessert or snack. Expect to be immersed in a baking experience that is not only enjoyable but also results in a pastry that is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy. Enjoy these Pastelitos with a hot cup of coffee or as a sweet note to end any meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. However, the texture and taste may vary slightly.
  2. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture of the pastelitos.
  3. Can I use a different filling? Absolutely! While the recipe calls for guava paste and cream cheese filling, you can experiment with other fillings such as dulce de leche, fruit preserves, or even savory fillings like ham and cheese.
  4. Can I freeze the unbaked pastelitos? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastelitos. After sealing the pastelitos, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, simply add a few minutes to the baking time.
  5. How should I store the baked pastelitos? Store the baked pastelitos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
  6. Can I reheat the pastelitos? Yes, you can reheat the pastelitos in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the pastry soggy.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Round cookie cutter - Used to cut out circles of dough for the pastelitos.
  • Fork - Used to seal the edges of the pastelitos.
  • Baking sheet - Used to bake the pastelitos in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the pastelitos from sticking.
  • Wire rack - Used to cool the baked pastelitos.

Origin stories

Pastelitos have a rich history in Latin American cuisine, particularly in countries such as Cuba and Argentina. In Cuba, these sweet pastries are traditionally filled with guava, a tropical fruit that is abundant on the island, and sometimes cream cheese. They are often enjoyed in the morning with coffee, or as an afternoon snack. The art of making pastelitos was brought to the United States by Cuban immigrants, and the pastries quickly became a beloved treat in cities with large Cuban populations, such as Miami. These delicious pastries truly embody the fusion of cultures, symbolizing the blending of traditional Cuban flavors with American influences.

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.