Description
Puerto Rican Quesitos are delectable cream cheese-filled pastries made with flaky puff pastry, sweetened cream cheese, and a shiny sugar glaze. These golden-brown treats are baked to perfection for a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet experience perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Glaze
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra shine)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into six equal-sized rectangles for individual pastries.
- Fill Pastries: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry rectangle.
- Seal Pastries: Fold each pastry over the cream cheese filling to create a pocket, pressing the edges gently but firmly with your fingers to seal the filling inside.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the sealed pastries with the beaten egg. This will help them develop a shiny, golden-brown crust while baking.
- Bake Pastries: Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until they puff up and become golden brown and flaky.
- Prepare Sugar Glaze: While the pastries bake, combine the granulated sugar, water, and optional honey in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a syrup.
- Glaze Pastries: Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and immediately brush the sugar glaze over the warm pastries to give them a shiny and sweet coating.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the glazed quesitos to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set and to avoid burns.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed for easier handling and optimal puffing.
- You can substitute honey with corn syrup or omit it for a less shiny glaze.
- Serve quesitos warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- For a citrus twist, add a splash of orange or lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
