Description
Delight in the flaky, buttery goodness of Puerto Rican Quesitos, cream cheese-filled puff pastries perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. These golden, tender treats combine smooth cream cheese filling with a crisp, sugary glaze, baked to perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Sugar Glaze
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra shine)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into six equal rectangular pieces to form individual pastries.
- Add the filling: Spoon an even amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry rectangle.
- Seal the pastries: Fold each pastry over the filling carefully and press the edges gently but firmly to seal it, preventing leakage during baking.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the tops of each sealed pastry with the beaten egg to help create a golden, shiny finish as they bake.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pastries have puffed up nicely and turned a golden brown color.
- Make the sugar glaze: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and honey (if using). Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves completely and forms a syrup.
- Glaze the pastries: Once the pastries are baked, remove them from the oven and while still warm, brush them generously with the sugar glaze to add sweetness and shine.
- Cool and serve: Allow the glazed quesitos to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to let the sugar glaze set and avoid burning your mouth.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- You can substitute honey with corn syrup or omit it if you prefer a less shiny glaze.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the puff pastry for clean edges.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or zest of lemon into the cream cheese filling.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
