Guava and Cream Cheese Pastelitos

# What You Need:

→ Pastry

01 - 1 package (14 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed

→ Filling

02 - 5.3 oz guava paste, cut into thin slices

03 - 3.5 oz cream cheese, softened

→ Topping

04 - 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash

05 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, optional for sprinkling

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

02 - Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 8 equal rectangles for a total of 16 pieces.

03 - Place 8 pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheet.

04 - On each rectangle, place a thin slice of guava paste and approximately 1 tablespoon of softened cream cheese, leaving a clear border around all edges.

05 - Lightly brush the borders with water. Top each filled rectangle with a second pastry rectangle and press the edges firmly to seal.

06 - Use a fork to crimp the sealed edges. Gently score the pastry tops with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking.

07 - Brush the tops generously with beaten egg. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.

08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

09 - Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -

They come together faster than you'd expect, turning basic puff pastry into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
The contrast between flaky, buttery pastry and that sweet-creamy filling is honestly addictive.
They're just as good at breakfast as they are for dessert or an afternoon snack with strong coffee.

02 -

Don't skip letting the pastry thaw completely—frozen pastry cracks as you work with it and won't puff properly in the oven.
The egg wash makes all the difference; it's what transforms these from plain to restaurant-quality golden and gorgeous.

03 -