Description
Puerto Rican Quesitos are deliciously flaky puff pastries filled with a sweet and creamy cream cheese mixture. These golden, buttery pastries are perfectly glazed for a shiny finish, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze and Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra shine)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into six equal-sized rectangles, which will form the base for the quesitos.
- Fill Pastries: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry rectangle, distributing evenly.
- Seal Pastries: Fold each rectangle over the filling to form a pocket, pressing the edges lightly but firmly to seal so the filling does not leak out during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each folded pastry with the beaten egg. This will give the quesitos a beautiful golden and shiny finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastries on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Make Sugar Glaze: While the pastries bake, combine granulated sugar, water, and honey in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a syrup glaze.
- Glaze Pastries: Once baked, remove the quesitos from the oven and brush them with the warm sugar syrup glaze to add sweetness and shine. Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute honey with corn syrup or omit it if you prefer a less sweet glaze.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for an easy-to-mix filling.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
- These pastries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
