Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) Recipe
Imagine biting into a warm, golden pastry with a crisp, flaky exterior and a lusciously creamy, mildly sweet filling that melts on your tongue. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries). These iconic treats are beloved across Puerto Rico, often found at bakeries and enjoyed with a steaming cup of café con leche. Whether you’re a longtime fan or brand new to this irresistible pastry, making them at home brings all the island flavor and nostalgia right to your kitchen. Let’s embark on this delicious journey together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe for Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) proves that you don’t need a lot to make something truly extraordinary. Each ingredient is simple, yet crucial, working its magic to create those signature flavors and textures you’ll dream about long after the last bite.
- Puff pastry sheets: The foundation for that shatteringly crisp, buttery shell—make sure they’re thawed but kept chilled for maximum flakiness.
- Cream cheese: Softened to blend smoothly, it gives your filling that signature creaminess and subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the filling without overpowering the delicate dairy notes.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aromatic depth to the creamy inside—don’t skip it!
- Honey: Mixes into the filling for extra silkiness, and a final brush at the end gives the pastries their glossy, irresistible sheen.
- Egg: Brushed over the pastries, it helps them bake up golden and gorgeous every single time.
- Coarse sugar or regular sugar: A sprinkle right before baking delivers that quintessential crunchy top with a pop of sweetness.
How to Make Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries)
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step guarantees your quesitos won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Having everything set up ensures the puff pastry stays nice and cold, so the layers puff up beautifully while baking.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of honey. Mix everything together until it’s smooth, creamy, and a little glossy. Taste it—this is that perfect combination of tangy and sweet that makes Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) so addictive!
Step 3: Cut and Fill the Puff Pastry
Gently unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets and lay them on a lightly floured surface. Slice each sheet into four equal squares, giving you eight in total. Place a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese filling at the center of each square. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens.
Step 4: Shape the Quesitos
Now for the fun part! Take each square and either fold it diagonally into a neat triangle, or for the classic quesito look, bring two opposite corners toward the middle and pinch to seal them—leaving the sides partially open. The exposed edges turn gorgeously golden, inviting you to take that first glorious bite.
Step 5: Brush and Sprinkle
Brush the tops of each formed pastry with beaten egg, making sure you coat them evenly. Give each a sprinkle of coarse or regular sugar for that signature sweet crust. This extra step is what gives Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) their bakery-worthy shine and crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your pastries to the prepared baking sheet and pop them into the oven for 20 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re ready when they’re golden, puffed, and utterly fragrant. That’s your cue that good things are happening.
Step 7: Glaze While Warm
Once you remove your quesitos from the oven, brush each one with a touch more honey while they’re still warm. This gloss not only makes them look downright irresistible, but it adds a delicate sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries)
Garnishes
A final dusting of powdered sugar can take these over-the-top, but a drizzle of extra honey or even a light sprinkle of cinnamon makes Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) feel downright decadent. You can also slice fresh fruit like strawberries or mango to serve alongside for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Start your day on a sweet note by pairing these pastries with a creamy café con leche, rich hot chocolate, or your favorite bold coffee. If you’re thinking dessert, vanilla ice cream or fresh berries on the side will complement the warm, creamy filling beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) on a rustic wooden platter for casual gatherings, or stack them artfully on a tiered cake stand for brunch. If you’re packing for a picnic, tuck individual pastries into parchment paper for the perfect island-inspired treat on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your quesitos at their best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The puff pastry will soften a bit over time, but the flavors stay just as dreamy.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, place completely cooled pastries on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll last up to two months—perfect for surprise cravings or instant guests! You can also freeze them unbaked and bake fresh when needed for that same irresistible aroma.
Reheating
For best results, reheat quesitos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. This brings back their flaky texture and warms the filling so it’s just as dreamy as the day they were baked. Skip the microwave to avoid soggy pastry—crispy edges are key!
FAQs
Can I add fruit to Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries)?
Absolutely! A spoonful of guava paste or your favorite jam layered with the cream cheese is a classic and delicious twist. It adds a pop of flavor and beautiful color with every bite.
Do I have to use puff pastry, or can I make my own dough?
Puff pastry is what gives these pastries their signature flaky crunch, and it’s such a time-saver! If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own, but store-bought works perfectly and tastes amazing.
Can I make Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the pastries, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to bake them straight from the fridge so the pastry puffs up nicely.
Do they need to be served warm?
They’re heavenly warm from the oven, but honestly, they’re irresistible at room temperature too. If you’re planning to serve them later, a quick reheat in the oven will restore their crispiness.
What’s the best way to keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Work quickly to keep the pastry chilled, and try not to overfill them with the cream cheese mixture. Brushing with egg wash and baking until deep golden ensures a crisp, delicious crust every time.
Final Thoughts
Baking up a batch of Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) is one of those simple pleasures that never fails to put a smile on your face. They’re easy enough for a weeknight treat, but special enough for guests or celebrations. If you’ve never tried making them at home, now’s the perfect time—warm, flaky, and filled with sweet memories, they’re a little piece of Puerto Rico on your table. Enjoy!
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Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 8 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Puerto Rican Quesitos are delightful cream cheese pastries made with puff pastry, sweetened cream cheese, and a touch of honey. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Sheets:
- 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets (2 sheets, thawed)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar or regular sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and honey until smooth.
- Assemble the pastries: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets, cut each into 4 equal squares (8 total). Place cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold into triangles or seal two opposite corners together, leaving sides open.
- Brush and bake: Brush each pastry with beaten egg, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 20–22 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Finish and serve: While warm, brush lightly with honey. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can add guava paste or jam to the cream cheese for a fruity variation.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
