Torticas de Guayaba

Discover the delightful taste of Torticas de Guayaba, a classic Cuban treat that combines a buttery, crumbly cookie with a vibrant heart of tangy guava jam. Whether you choose the traditional vanilla base or the rich chocolate variation, these thumbprint cookies offer a perfect tropical twist on a beloved dessert staple.

Save on Pinterest

These cookies are not just a treat for the palate but also a beautiful addition to any dessert table. Their simple preparation makes them an ideal project for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick, exotic sweet fix.

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

For the smoothest texture, ensure your butter is properly softened before creaming. If your guava paste is very firm, you can thin it with a small splash of warm water to make it easier to spoon into the cookie indentations.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If guava is hard to find, these cookies are equally delicious when filled with raspberry or apricot preserves. The chocolate base variation provides a deeper flavor that contrasts beautifully with the fruit filling.

Serviervorschläge

A light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies adds an elegant finish and a subtle boost of sweetness. These cookies pair exceptionally well with a strong cup of Cuban coffee or a cold glass of milk.

Save on Pinterest

Each of these 24 cookies contains approximately 120 calories, making them a perfect light snack or dessert. Enjoy the simple joy of baking these Torticas de Guayaba and sharing a taste of Latin American tradition with your loved ones.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes torticas de guayaba different from regular thumbprint cookies?

These Cuban-style cookies feature a distinctly tender, buttery dough that's less sweet than traditional thumbprints, allowing the tangy guava filling to shine. The combination creates a beloved tropical flavor profile unique to Latin American cuisine.

→ Can I use fresh guava instead of jam?

Fresh guava lacks the concentrated sweetness and proper consistency needed for the filling. Guava paste or jam works best because it provides the thick, spreadable texture that holds its shape during baking without becoming too runny.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The buttery dough stays tender, and the guava filling remains fresh. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months and bake fresh whenever needed.

→ Why did my cookies spread too much?

This usually happens if the butter was too soft or the dough wasn't chilled before baking. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature but not melted, and consider refrigerating the dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

→ What can I substitute for guava jam?

Raspberry or apricot preserves work wonderfully as substitutes, offering similar tartness and texture. Fig or quince preserves also provide complementary flavors that maintain the tropical-inspired essence of these delightful treats.

→ Is the chocolate variation traditional?

While the classic version uses vanilla dough, the chocolate variation has become popular in modern Cuban and Latin American bakeries. The deep cocoa notes create an even richer contrast with the bright, fruity guava filling.