Guava Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are incredibly soft and tender thanks to the cream cheese, which adds a subtle richness to the dough. The guava paste adds a touch of fruity sweetness that balances the mild flavor of the cookie perfectly. The cookies are not too sweet, which makes them a wonderful snack or dessert for any time of day. With their light texture and flavorful filling, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering, from holiday cookie boxes to casual potlucks.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup guava paste (or guava jam)

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

  2. Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth, then add the sugar, egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.

  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.

  4. Chill the dough for at least two hours to make it easier to handle.

  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  6. Roll about one tablespoon of dough into a ball, then use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indent in the center.

  7. Warm the guava paste slightly and spoon about 1/2 teaspoon into the center of each cookie.

  8. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the bottom is browned.

  9. Allow the cookies to cool before serving, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Approximately 30-35 cookies

  • Preparation time: 10 minutes

  • Chilling time: 2 hours

  • Baking time: 15 minutes

Variations

  • You can replace the guava paste with other fruit jams or preserves like strawberry, raspberry, or even lemon curd.

  • For a citrusy twist, add some lemon zest to the dough or replace almond extract with lemon extract.

  • If you prefer a slightly firmer cookie, you can reduce the cream cheese amount slightly.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

  • Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, place them in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F (150°C) to soften the guava paste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fruit paste?

Yes, you can substitute guava paste with any other fruit paste like guava jam, mango, or apricot.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

It’s recommended to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor in the cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to a month. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

How long will the cookies stay fresh?

The cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored properly at room temperature.

Can I use a different extract?

Yes, you can experiment with different extracts, like vanilla, lemon, or even coconut, for a unique flavor profile.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the bottom is browned.

Can I make these cookies without an egg?

Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg or another egg substitute for a vegan version.

Conclusion

Guava Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors, with a soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are perfect for sharing during the holidays or any special occasion. Whether you make them with guava or your favorite fruit preserve, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.

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Guava Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 30-35 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Guava Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat with a soft and creamy texture, combining the richness of cream cheese and the sweet tang of guava paste. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or casual snacking, these cookies are easy to make and irresistible to everyone. With their buttery, tender dough and fruity filling, they offer the ideal balance of sweetness and flavor, dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch of elegance.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup guava paste (or guava jam)

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a medium bowl.

  • Beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until fully combined.

  • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.

  • Chill the dough for at least two hours.

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Roll dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls, then use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indent in each ball.

  • Warm the guava paste slightly and fill each indent with 1/2 teaspoon of guava paste.

  • Bake for about 15 minutes until the edges are golden and the bottom is browned.

  • Let cool before serving and dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

  • For variations, swap guava paste with other fruit jams such as strawberry, raspberry, or lemon curd.

  • Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist or use lemon extract instead of almond extract for a fresh flavor.

  • If you prefer a firmer cookie, reduce the cream cheese slightly.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Cookies, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Tropical

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