Imagine biting into a delicate, buttery cookie that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico - that's exactly what these magical Mantecaditos promise! These irresistible thumbprint cookies are more than just a dessert; they're a delicious journey through Caribbean culinary tradition. With their rich, creamy texture and burst of sweet guava filling, these cookies are about to become your new obsession. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a treat that combines simplicity, elegance, and explosive flavor in every single bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup guava paste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft, smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll into small 1-inch balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Cut the guava paste into small cubes and warm slightly to make it more spreadable.
- Fill each thumbprint indentation with a small amount of guava paste, carefully pressing it into the center.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once fully cooled, store the mantecaditos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- • Make sure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest dough. • Chill the dough for the full 30 minutes - this prevents spreading and helps maintain the cookie's shape. • When creating thumbprints, use the back of a small spoon for more uniform indentations. • Warm the guava paste slightly to make it easier to spread, but don't overheat. • For a more intense guava flavor, choose a high-quality, artisanal guava paste. • Allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup. • These cookies make excellent gifts and can be stored up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
