Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup guava paste, cut into small cubes
- Colored sprinkles, optional
- 1 teaspoon orange zest, optional
- Maraschino cherries, optional for topping
- Guava jelly, optional instead of guava paste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the almond extract and salt, then mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour on low speed and mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Scoop about 1 1/2 teaspoons of dough and roll into small balls.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indent into the center of each cookie.
- Fill each indent with a cube of guava paste, a spoonful of guava jelly, or sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve slightly warm or fully cooled.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and buttery.
- Vanilla extract can be used instead of almond extract for a more classic flavor.
- Orange zest adds a bright citrus flavor that pairs well with guava.
- Guava jelly creates a softer filling while guava paste gives a firmer center.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months with parchment paper between layers.
- Refresh cookies in a warm oven for a freshly baked texture.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
