Save Torticas de Guayaba are delicate, buttery thumbprint cookies that offer a tropical twist on a classic favorite. Featuring a crumbly vanilla or chocolate base filled with tangy guava jam, these treats are a staple of Cuban and Latin American cuisine, perfect for satisfying a sweet craving with minimal effort.
Save The contrast between the sweet, sticky guava and the shortbread-like dough makes these cookies irresistible at any gathering or as a simple afternoon snack with coffee.
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 the guava paste is too thick to spoon into the cookie centers, it can be thinned with a splash of warm water. For the best consistency, ensure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugar.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To change the flavor profile, you can substitute the guava jam with raspberry or apricot preserves. For chocolate lovers, use the variation noted in the ingredients by replacing a small amount of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Serviervorschläge
For an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation, dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar. These treats are traditionally served alongside café con leche or a hot tea.
Save Enjoy these homemade Torticas de Guayaba as a delicious reminder of tropical flavors. With their vibrant jam centers and buttery base, they are sure to become a favorite addition to your baking repertoire.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What makes torticas de guayaba different from regular thumbprint cookies?
These Cuban-style cookies feature guava jam filling instead of traditional raspberry or apricot. The tropical fruit provides a unique tangy-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery vanilla or chocolate dough base.
- → Can I use fresh guava instead of jam?
Fresh guava doesn't work well for the filling as it releases too much moisture during baking. Guava paste or thick jam is essential for maintaining the proper texture and preventing the cookies from becoming soggy.
- → How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The guava filling helps keep the cookies moist. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough balls and fill with jam just before baking.
- → Why is my cookie dough too soft to handle?
If your dough feels sticky or soft, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before scooping. This firming process makes it easier to roll into balls and create the thumbprint indentation without the dough losing shape.
- → Can I make these chocolate-free?
Absolutely—the classic version uses vanilla extract only. Simply skip the cocoa powder and use the full amount of all-purpose flour. The vanilla version highlights the buttery dough flavor and lets the guava shine.
- → What's the best way to soften guava paste?
Microwave guava paste in 10-second intervals until pliable, or stir in a teaspoon of warm water to reach a spreadable consistency. This makes it much easier to fill the cookie centers without damaging the dough.