Save Torticas de Guayaba are delicate, buttery thumbprint cookies that offer a tropical twist on a classic favorite. These Cuban-inspired treats feature a melt-in-your-mouth base filled with tangy guava jam, creating a vibrant and festive dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Save These cookies are a staple of Latin American baking, known for their distinct golden-brown edges and glistening guava centers. Whether you prefer the classic vanilla version or the rich cocoa variation, these thumbprints provide a delightful texture that perfectly complements the concentrated sweetness of the fruit filling.
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Chocolate Variation (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (replace 2 tbsp flour with cocoa for chocolate base)
- Filling
- 1/2 cup (160 g) guava jam or paste, softened
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3
- Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
- Step 4
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. For the chocolate base, replace 2 tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder and blend in.
- Step 5
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a deep indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Step 7
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of guava jam or softened guava paste.
- Step 8
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.
- Step 9
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
If you find that your guava paste is too thick to spoon into the cookie indentations easily, it can be thinned with a small splash of warm water until it reaches a manageable consistency. Ensure your butter is properly softened at room temperature before starting to achieve the correct dough texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable; you can easily substitute the guava jam with raspberry or apricot preserves for a different flavor profile. For the chocolate variation, remember to remove two tablespoons of flour when adding the cocoa powder to keep the dry-to-wet ingredient ratio balanced.
Serviervorschläge
For an extra touch of elegance and sweetness, dust the finished, cooled cookies with a light coating of powdered sugar. These treats pair wonderfully with a strong espresso or a warm cup of tea, highlighting the tangy notes of the guava filling.
Save Torticas de Guayaba are a beautiful testament to the simplicity of Cuban baking. With their vibrant centers and tender crumb, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy these tropical treasures as a sweet snack or a centerpiece for your next dessert table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes torticas de guayaba different from regular thumbprint cookies?
These Cuban-inspired cookies feature guava jam or paste instead of traditional fruit preserves. The tropical filling provides a unique sweet-tangy flavor profile that's distinctly Latin American, while the buttery dough base remains classic and comforting.
- → Can I make the chocolate variation?
Absolutely. Simply replace 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. The chocolate base pairs beautifully with the bright guava filling, creating a rich, tropical flavor combination reminiscent of chocolate-dipped fruit.
- → What can I use if I can't find guava jam?
Raspberry or apricot preserves work well as substitutes, maintaining the sweet-tart balance. For a more authentic taste, look for guava paste at Latin markets—it can be thinned with warm water for easier filling.
- → How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The buttery dough stays tender, and the guava filling remains fresh. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
- → Why is my dough too soft or sticky?
The dough should be soft but manageable. If it's too sticky, chill for 15-30 minutes before rolling. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. Hot weather can also affect dough consistency—refrigerate briefly if needed.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze portioned dough balls for up to 3 months—thaw in the refrigerator, then fill and bake when needed.