If you’re looking for a treat that’s both incredibly simple and utterly irresistible, you have to try Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries). These golden, flaky pastries hug a sweet cream cheese filling and are finished with a glossy, sugary glaze that makes every bite sparkle. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, they’re a beloved staple on the island—and once you taste them, you’ll see why they inspire such devotion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) is how easy they are to whip up with just a handful of ingredients. Each component brings something special: rich creaminess, delicate sweetness, and that signature puffed crunch you can’t resist.
- Puff pastry sheets: These create the signature flaky, buttery layers—make sure they’re thawed before you start!
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the filling its trademark smooth, tangy richness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the creamy filling.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Honey or corn syrup (optional): Brushing this on top gives your pastries that irresistible glossy finish.
- Egg: Beaten with a little water, it creates a golden, shiny crust when brushed over the top.
- Water: Mixed with the egg for a smooth egg wash.
- Optional extra sugar: Sprinkle on top for a sweet, sparkly crunch.
How to Make Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries)
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your quesitos will bake evenly and lift right off the tray without sticking or burning on the bottom. Give yourself plenty of space for assembling the pastries, too!
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and free of lumps—the filling should be creamy, sweet, and fragrant. This is the heart of every Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) bite, so take a quick taste to make sure it’s just right!
Step 3: Cut and Fill the Puff Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice each sheet into four equal squares, giving you eight in total. Spoon about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each square. Don’t overfill—a generous dollop is perfect for that gooey center, but too much will spill out.
Step 4: Fold and Seal the Pastries
To shape the quesitos, fold one corner of each pastry square over the filling, then fold the opposite corner over that—almost like wrapping a cozy blanket around the cream cheese. Gently press the edges to seal, trapping all that luscious filling inside. This classic “envelope” shape is what makes Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) so inviting!
Step 5: Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkle
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create a smooth egg wash. Brush the tops of your folded pastries generously—this gives them that beautiful golden color in the oven. If you’d like an extra sparkly finish, sprinkle a little more sugar over the top right before baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pastries into the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and gloriously golden. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing as they bake! Keep an eye on them toward the end—every oven is a little different, and you want that perfect balance of crisp and tender.
Step 7: Glaze for Shine
While the quesitos are still warm, brush them lightly with honey or corn syrup. This not only makes them look bakery-beautiful, but adds a hint of sticky sweetness that’s pure bliss. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!) so the filling sets just enough.
How to Serve Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries)
Garnishes
For a classic look, dust your Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) with a little extra powdered sugar or drizzle with a touch more honey. A light sprinkle of cinnamon can also add warmth and a gorgeous aroma. If you want to get fancy, a few fresh berries alongside each pastry make for a colorful, tasty garnish.
Side Dishes
Pair these pastries with a hot cup of café con leche or a glass of cold milk for a comforting breakfast or snack. If you’re serving them for dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of fruit preserves on the side is a match made in heaven. They also shine next to a platter of tropical fruit for a festive brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) on a pretty platter lined with banana leaves or colorful napkins. You can also cut the pastry squares smaller for bite-sized treats—perfect for sharing. Or, tuck a spoonful of guava paste or Nutella inside before baking for a playful twist on the traditional filling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover quesitos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They’ll still taste delicious the next day—just not quite as crisp as fresh from the oven.
Freezing
You can freeze Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) before baking for make-ahead convenience. Arrange the filled, unbaked pastries on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time. Baked quesitos can also be frozen, but the texture is best when freshly baked.
Reheating
To revive that perfect flakiness, reheat leftover quesitos in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can make the pastry soggy. If you’ve stored them in the fridge, bring them to room temperature first for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for quesitos?
Yes, you can use low-fat or Neufchâtel cream cheese, but the filling may be a little less rich and creamy. The classic Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) flavor comes from full-fat cream cheese, so use that if you want the authentic taste and texture.
Can I add fruit or other fillings?
Absolutely! Guava paste is a traditional favorite in Puerto Rican bakeries, but you can also add a dollop of your favorite jam, Nutella, or even chopped chocolate for a fun twist on these pastries. Just be careful not to overfill to avoid leaks.
What if I don’t have honey or corn syrup for the glaze?
No problem—while the glaze adds shine and a hint of sweetness, it’s purely optional. The quesitos will still be delicious without it, or you can brush with a little simple syrup or just dust with powdered sugar instead.
Can I make Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) ahead for a party?
Yes! Prep and assemble the pastries, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This way, you can serve them hot and fresh right from the oven when your guests arrive. Just remember to add the egg wash and sugar sprinkle right before baking.
How do I keep the pastries from opening up during baking?
Make sure to press the folded corners together firmly, and avoid overfilling. You can also use a dab of water or egg wash to help seal the edges. Lining your baking sheet with parchment helps prevent sticking if a little filling escapes.
Final Thoughts
Once you bite into a warm, flaky, and creamy Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries), you’ll understand why they’re such a cherished treat. They’re easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and guaranteed to bring a taste of Puerto Rico to your table. Give them a try—you just might find yourself baking a second batch before you know it!
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Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Puerto Rican Quesitos are deliciously flaky puff pastries filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture, perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack. These easy-to-make treats combine buttery puff pastry with a creamy, vanilla-infused filling, baked until golden and optionally glazed for a shiny finish. Perfect for bringing a taste of Puerto Rican cuisine to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze and Finishing
- 1 tablespoon honey or corn syrup (optional, for glaze)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional: additional sugar for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Cut the Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, resulting in 8 squares total for the recipe.
- Fill the Pastries: Spoon about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square, distributing evenly among all squares.
- Fold and Seal: Fold one corner of the square over the cream cheese filling, then fold the opposite corner over that to create a sealed pastry. Gently press the edges to ensure the filling stays inside while baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each pastry with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Add Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a little additional granulated sugar on top of the pastries if desired to add extra sweetness and texture.
- Bake the Quesitos: Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Glaze for Shine: While the quesitos are still warm, lightly brush them with honey or corn syrup to give a beautiful glossy finish that also adds a hint of extra sweetness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the quesitos to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Quesitos are best served fresh and warm to enjoy the crisp, flaky pastry and creamy filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to retain crispness.
- For variety, try adding guava paste, Nutella, or fruit preserves inside the cream cheese filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesito
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
