There’s a taste of the tropics in every bite of these delightful Guava Cream Cheese Cookies, and I can’t help but smile whenever I make them. The moment the buttery, cream cheese dough mixes with that luscious guava paste, it transports me to sun-soaked beaches and lazy afternoons. I discovered this recipe while searching for a creative twist on classic thumbprint cookies, and let me tell you—it was a happy culinary accident that turned into my new favorite treat.
As someone who loves the comfort of homemade desserts, these cookies are double the joy: they’re easy to whip up and sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering or simply indulging after a long day, these sweet gems will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas—making your heart and taste buds sing. Get ready to create a masterpiece that’s both satisfying and unique, putting a delicious twist on your cookie game!
Why are Guava Cream Cheese Cookies a must-try?
Tropical Twist: The combination of rich cream cheese and sweet guava paste creates an enchanting flavor profile that’s both exciting and comforting.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can craft these delicious cookies without any fuss.
Impressive Presentation: These thumbprint cookies look as good as they taste—perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo!
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a delightful dessert or a cheerful snack anytime; they’re irresistibly versatile.
Baking Therapy: The process of preparing these cookies is not only gratifying but also fills your home with delightful aromas that uplift your spirit.
Crowd-Pleaser: Every bite promises smiles and compliments, making them the star of any gathering.
Guava Cream Cheese Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – provides the structure for the cookies, ensuring they have a delightful texture.
- Baking powder – helps the cookies rise, giving them that perfect soft and chewy bite.
- Salt – enhances the sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Full-fat cream cheese – brings richness and moisture, making these cookies irresistibly creamy.
- Unsalted butter – contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb while adding buttery flavor.
- Sugar – sweetens the dough and helps in achieving that golden-brown finish.
- Egg – acts as a binder, ensuring the ingredients stick together seamlessly.
- Vanilla extract – adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Almond extract – infuses a unique, nutty aroma that complements the guava wonderfully.
For the Filling
- Guava paste – the star ingredient that gives these cookies their tropical twist; it can also be substituted with guava marmalade or jam for a sweeter taste.
For Dusting
- Confectioners’ sugar – adds a beautiful finishing touch, giving the cookies an elegant look while adding a touch of sweetness.
With these Guava Cream Cheese Cookies ingredients at hand, you’re ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure! Enjoy the journey and savor each moment.
How to Make Guava Cream Cheese Cookies
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Whisk Together: In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Setting these dry ingredients aside will help ensure a smooth dough later on.
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Cream the Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth. Then, add the softened butter, beating until fully combined. Blend in the sugar until creamy, and then add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
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Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, continuing to beat until a soft cookie dough forms. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours for better texture.
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Preheat and Prep: After chilling the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
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Shape Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and roll it into balls about 1-1.5 tablespoons in size. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a few inches of space between each cookie. Use the back of a spoon or your thumb to create a little indent in the center. Chill the cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes.
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Warm the Filling: While the cookies chill, warm the guava paste in the microwave, checking every 20 seconds until it’s nice and gooey. This makes it easier to spoon into the cookies.
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Fill and Bake: Take the cookies out from the freezer and spoon ½ teaspoon of warm guava paste into the center of each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 13-16 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the bottom is golden. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving, finishing with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.
Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an added layer of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Guava Cream Cheese Cookies
Room Temperature: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and delightful flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container for up to 1 week, allowing them to stay moist and tasty.
Freezer: To freeze, lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their fresh-baked goodness.
Make Ahead Options
These Guava Cream Cheese Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first three steps of the recipe. Once the dough is formed, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, shape the cookies into balls, and chill them in the freezer for about 10 minutes before adding the guava filling. Additionally, you can warm the guava paste in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a quick warm-up in the microwave before using it in the cookies, ensuring your treats are just as delicious as if made fresh!
Tips for the Best Guava Cream Cheese Cookies
Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for up to 2 hours is key to achieving the perfect texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Indent with Care: Make a deep enough indent when shaping the cookies, but not so deep that they break apart. This allows for a generous filling of guava paste without compromising cookie structure.
Warm the Filling: Ensure the guava paste is warmed adequately to make it easier to spoon into the indents. Microwaving in short intervals helps achieve the right consistency.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven once the edges are lightly browned to prevent becoming too dry.
Don’t Skip the Dusting: A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar just before serving adds visual appeal and an extra touch of sweetness to your guava cream cheese cookies.
Guava Cream Cheese Cookies Variations
Feel free to elevate this delightful treat with your own unique twists!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour for a tasty alternative.
- Fruit Fusion: Swap guava for other fruit preserves like passion fruit or apricot for different fruity sensations.
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for an extra crunchy texture and rich flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies; it adds a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
- Spiced Version: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom into the dough for a warm, spiced twist that brings out the flavors beautifully.
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives, using a flax egg for egg replacement.
- Cheesecake-Inspired: Mix in ¼ cup of lemon juice and zest for a refreshing kick, reminiscent of a cheesecake flavor profile.
- Coconut Lush: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the guava.
With these variations, your cookie adventures will never be boring! Enjoy experimenting and making them your own.
What to Serve with Guava Cream Cheese Cookies?
To elevate your cookie experience, consider pairing these delightful treats with flavors and textures that complement their tropical sweetness.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies while enhancing their tropical vibes.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: This light and airy topping offers a delightful contrast, accentuating the creamy texture of the cookies.
- Iced Coffee or Tea: The slight bitterness of these drinks beautifully balances the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor union.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A simple melted chocolate drizzle can transform each cookie into an indulgent treat, enriching that creamy guava filling.
- Lemonade or Limeade: The crisp, citrus notes provide a refreshing zing, making for a perfect summer-style sweet moment with every bite.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy goodness beside your warm cookies creates a nostalgic dessert that’s comforting and satisfying.
- Almond Biscotti: The crunchy texture of biscotti balances the softness of the cookies, offering a delightful contrast in each delightful mouthful.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet bites not only look stunning but create an extra layer of decadence alongside the cookies.
- Sparkling Water with Mint: Light and refreshing, this drink serves to cleanse the palate while celebrating the fruity notes of the cookies.
Guava Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting guava paste?
When selecting guava paste, make sure to choose one that is smooth and free from any dark spots. It should have a fragrant aroma, indicating freshness. If you opt for guava marmalade or jam, check the ingredient list for quality ingredients with less added sugar for a more natural taste.
How long can I store leftover cookies?
You can store any leftover Guava Cream Cheese Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last for about a week while still retaining their delectable flavor.
Can I freeze these cookies? How?
Absolutely! To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy one, thaw at room temperature or microwave for just a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
The most common reason for cookies spreading is that the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours. Also, take care when measuring the flour; too little can lead to spreading. If this happens again, you can gradually add a bit more flour until the dough holds its shape better.
Are these cookies suitable for individuals with certain dietary restrictions?
These Guava Cream Cheese Cookies contain gluten from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the cream cheese and butter. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. If someone has a dairy allergy, try a dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternative. Always check the guava paste to ensure it’s allergen-free, as some brands may vary.
Can I make a different filling instead of guava?
Of course! The beauty of thumbprint cookies lies in their versatility. You can swap out the guava paste for any fruit preserves, such as raspberry, apricot, or even chocolate ganache for a decadent twist. The more, the merrier!
Guava Cream Cheese Cookies for Irresistible Sweet Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl until combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add softened butter and blend, then mix in sugar until creamy. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until a soft dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into balls (1-1.5 tablespoons) and place them on the baking sheet. Create an indent in the center of each with your thumb. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Warm the guava paste in the microwave until gooey, checking every 20 seconds.
- Remove cookies from the freezer, spoon ½ teaspoon of guava paste into each indent, and bake for 13-16 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack and dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.