Ingredients:

  • 2 sheets (approx. 14 oz / 400g total) All-Butter Frozen Puff Pastry, thawed
  • 1 large Egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon Whole Milk or Water (for egg wash)
  • 8 oz (225 g) Guava Paste (pasta de guayaba), in blocks
  • 4 oz (115 g) Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Fresh Lime Zest
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 1 cup (120 g) Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar), sifted (Optional Glaze)
  • 2-3 tablespoons Milk or Fresh Lime Juice (Optional Glaze)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll each sheet just enough to smooth creases and slightly expand the size (aim for roughly 10 x 14 inches).
  2. Cut each sheet into six equal rectangles (approx. 3.5 x 5 inches) for a total of 12 pieces. Place the cut pieces on the lined baking sheets.
  3. Prepare the filling: Cut the block of guava paste into 12 thin, flat squares or slices. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lime zest, and salt. Mix until completely smooth and lump-free.
  4. Assemble the Pastelitos: Place about 1.5 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture onto one half of each pastry rectangle, leaving a generous 1/2-inch border. Place one slice of guava paste directly on top of the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Fold the empty half of the pastry over the filling to create a small packet. Gently press the edges together, then use a fork to firmly crimp the edges. This sealing step is crucial to prevent filling leakage during baking.
  6. Prepare the Egg Wash: Whisk the egg and milk/water in a small bowl. Brush the top surface of each pastelito with the egg wash for a beautiful golden, glossy color.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through, until the pastries are puffed up, flaky, and deep golden brown.
  8. Cool slightly: Transfer the baked pastries to a wire rack and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes.
  9. Prepare Glaze (Optional): While cooling, whisk the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk or lime juice until smooth. Add liquid gradually until the glaze is thick but pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm pastries before serving.