Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) a flaky, golden puff pastries filled with sweet, creamy cheese and glazed with a delicious sugary syrup—quesitos are a staple in Puerto Rican bakeries. These delicate pastries are crisp on the outside, soft and creamy inside, and have just the right amount of sweetness. Whether enjoyed with a morning coffee or as an afternoon treat, they bring a taste of the Caribbean straight to the kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how easy these quesitos are to make while still tasting like they came straight from a Puerto Rican bakery. The combination of buttery, flaky puff pastry with the lightly sweetened cream cheese filling is irresistible. The sugar glaze adds the perfect glossy finish and a hint of extra sweetness. Plus, they require only a handful of ingredients, making them a quick and delightful homemade treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra shine)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into six equal rectangles.
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each rectangle.
Fold each pastry over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing down gently.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy.
In a small saucepan, heat the granulated sugar, water, and honey until dissolved into a syrup.
Brush the warm pastries with the sugar glaze and let them cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 pastries
Calories: 220 kcal per pastry
Variations
Fruit-filled Quesitos: I sometimes add a spoonful of guava paste or jam alongside the cream cheese for a tropical twist.
Chocolate Quesitos: For a richer version, a few chocolate chips inside the filling make these even more indulgent.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top before baking adds a warm, spiced flavor.
Savory Quesitos: Reducing the sugar in the filling and adding a pinch of salt makes these a great option for those who prefer less sweetness.
Nutty Quesitos: A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) on top before baking adds a nice crunch.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover quesitos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If I want to keep them fresh longer, I refrigerate them for up to five days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, which helps restore their crispness. I avoid microwaving them since it makes the pastry soggy.
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FAQs
How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?
I make sure the cream cheese filling isn’t too runny by softening the cream cheese just enough to mix but not melting it. Baking at the right temperature also helps keep the pastry crisp.
Can I use store-bought pastry dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but puff pastry gives quesitos their signature flaky texture. If using a different dough, the texture may be slightly different.
Can I make quesitos ahead of time?
Yes! I assemble the pastries and refrigerate them unbaked. When ready to serve, I bake them fresh for the best results.
Do quesitos need to be refrigerated?
If I plan to eat them within a day or two, I keep them at room temperature. Otherwise, I refrigerate them to keep the cream cheese filling fresh.
Can I freeze quesitos?
Yes! I freeze them unbaked and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked quesitos can also be frozen and reheated in the oven.
Conclusion
Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries) are a simple yet delightful pastry that captures the essence of Caribbean flavors. Whether made traditionally or with a personal twist, these pastries are always a hit. With their flaky texture, creamy filling, and glossy sugar glaze, they make for a perfect sweet treat any time of day.
📖 Recipe:
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Puerto Rican Quesitos (Cream Cheese Pastries)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky and golden, Puerto Rican quesitos are irresistible cream cheese pastries with a sweet sugar glaze. These bakery-style treats are made with buttery puff pastry and a lightly sweetened cream cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this easy quesitos recipe brings the taste of Puerto Rico right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra shine)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into six equal rectangles.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each rectangle.
- Fold each pastry over the filling, pressing the edges gently to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- In a small saucepan, heat granulated sugar, water, and honey until dissolved into a syrup.
- Brush warm pastries with the sugar glaze and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Fruit-filled Quesitos: Add guava paste or jam for a tropical twist.
Chocolate Quesitos: Add a few chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Savory Quesitos: Reduce sugar in the filling and add a pinch of salt.
Nutty Quesitos: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican, Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 pastries
- Calories: 220 kcal
