Description
Puerto Rican Quesitos are delightful cream cheese-filled pastries made with flaky puff pastry, sweetened cream cheese, and a glossy sugar glaze. These treats are baked until golden and offer a perfect balance of creamy filling and crisp pastry, ideal 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
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Glaze
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra shine)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the quesitos.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Cut the pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into six equal-sized rectangles.
- Fill the pastries: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each rectangle to create the filling.
- Seal the pastries: Fold each pastry rectangle over the cream cheese filling, pressing gently around the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the tops of the sealed pastries with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish after baking.
- Bake the quesitos: Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Make the sugar glaze: While the pastries bake, combine granulated sugar, water, and honey (if using) in a small saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves completely into a syrup.
- Glaze the pastries: Once baked, remove the quesitos from the oven, brush the warm pastries generously with the sugar glaze, and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it for easier handling and better texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- The honey in the glaze is optional but adds a lovely shine and subtle flavor.
- Serve the quesitos slightly warm for the best taste and texture.
- These pastries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
