Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) Recipe

Introduction

Puerto Rican Quesitos are delightful cream cheese-filled pastries that combine flaky puff pastry with a sweet, creamy center. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these treats are simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 puff pastry sheet
• ½ cup cream cheese
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF).
2. Step 2: Cut the puff pastry sheet into 4×4 inch squares.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until the mixture is soft and creamy.
4. Step 4: Place 1 teaspoon of the filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold one corner over the filling, then fold the diagonal corner to fully enclose the filling, forming the quesito.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the granulated sugar to create an egg wash.
6. Step 6: Brush each quesito with the egg wash and bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Once baked, sprinkle the quesitos with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra touch, add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a warm flavor twist.
• Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cutting.
• Try adding a teaspoon of fruit jam along with the cream cheese for a fruity variation.

Storage

Store leftover quesitos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 175ºC (350ºF) for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh for optimal flakiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze quesitos for later?

Yes, quesitos can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a slightly different but still creamy filling. Make sure the substitute is smooth for the best texture.

Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) Recipe

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4.4 from 89 reviews

Puerto Rican Quesitos are delightful, flaky puff pastry treats filled with a sweet, creamy cream cheese mixture flavored with vanilla. These golden-baked pastries are perfectly brushed with a sweet egg glaze and dusted with powdered sugar, making them an irresistible snack or breakfast pastry loved in Puerto Rican cuisine.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 quesitos 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry

Cream Cheese Filling

• ½ cup cream cheese
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)

Glaze

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the pastries.
2. Prepare puff pastry: Cut the puff pastry sheet into 4×4 inch squares using a sharp knife or pastry cutter for even-sized quesitos.
3. Make the cream cheese filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth, soft, and creamy.
4. Fill and fold quesitos: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold one corner over the filling, then fold the diagonal opposite corner to completely enclose the filling and form the quesito.
5. Prepare egg glaze: Beat the egg with the granulated sugar until well combined to create a shiny sweet glaze for the pastries.
6. Glaze and bake: Brush each quesito generously with the egg and sugar mixture, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
7. Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the quesitos with extra powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Ensure your puff pastry is cold when cutting and folding for best puff and flakiness.
• You can substitute powdered sugar with confectioners’ sugar if preferred for a finer texture.
• For a stronger vanilla flavor, add a small splash of vanilla bean paste or extract.
• Brush the pastries with egg wash gently to avoid breaking the delicate dough.
• These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Puerto Rican quesitos, cream cheese pastries, puff pastry dessert, sweet pastries, easy Puerto Rican dessert