Pastelitos
Delicious golden pastries filled with sweet guava paste, perfect for brunch or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Provides a creamy, tender texture.
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cold, diced Brings a rich, velvety flavor.
- 0.25 cup sugar Enhances the overall sweetness.
- 1 large egg, beaten For egg wash, to ensure a golden finish.
Filling Ingredients
- 4 oz guava paste, cut into small cubes Adds a luscious, fruity sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Forming and Baking
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into squares or circles, about 3 inches wide.
- Place a small cube of guava paste in the center of each piece of dough. Fold the dough over the filling to create a triangle or half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pastelitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
- Allow the pastelitos to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential for a flaky texture. You can also try different fillings like cream cheese or fruit preserves. For large batches, freeze them before baking.