Introduction

These gluten-free, dairy-free guava and cream cheese twists are a delightful treat that combines a flaky, tender dough with a sweet guava filling. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, they offer a unique tropical flavor wrapped in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastry.

The image shows twelve small folded cookies on a sheet of parchment paper, each with a golden-brown outer layer and a visible dark red jam filling peeking through the folds. Some cookies have a glossy topping with a sprinkle of crushed nuts or sugar crystals, adding texture and a slight shine. The cookies are arranged casually on a red cloth, placed on a white marbled surface with a striped red and white cloth underneath. Candy canes and red ornaments are partially visible around the edges, giving a festive feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup non-dairy butter, at room temperature
4 ounces non-dairy cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons coconut sugar
3/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 large egg, separated
1 cup gluten-free flour mix

1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
12 ounces guava paste (one package)
Decorative sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the non-dairy butter, non-dairy cream cheese, and coconut sugar until creamy.
Step 2: Stir in the sea salt, then add the egg yolk and mix well.
Step 3: Gently mix in the gluten-free flour and xanthan gum until just incorporated into a dough.

Step 4: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
Step 5: Cover the dough rectangles tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Step 6: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Cut the guava paste into rectangles about 1 inch long by 1/2 inch wide.
Step 8: Roll out half of the chilled dough between sheets of plastic wrap into a rectangle approximately 15 inches by 6 inches by 1/8 inch thick.
Step 9: Cut the rolled dough into rectangles measuring 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches.

Step 10: Place one guava paste rectangle diagonally in the center of each dough rectangle. Fold the opposite corners of the dough over the guava paste and pinch them together to seal.
Step 11: Arrange the twisted cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 12: If desired, brush each cookie with the reserved egg white and sprinkle with decorative sugar for a sparkling finish.

Step 13: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 14: Remove the cookies from the oven and cool on the baking sheets set on wire racks.
Step 15: Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the second half of the dough while the first batch bakes.

Step 16: Enjoy these cookies fresh on the first day for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

You can substitute the guava paste with other fruit pastes like mango or apricot for a different tropical twist.
For a slightly sweeter dough, increase the coconut sugar by 1 tablespoon.

If you don’t have xanthan gum, make sure your gluten-free flour mix already contains it to help with texture.
Chilling the dough thoroughly helps make rolling easier and improves the final texture of the cookies.

Storage

Store these guava and cream cheese twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For best taste and texture, enjoy them the first day. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh their tender, flaky crumb.

How to Serve

The image shows eleven small, golden-brown cookies with a triangular shape, each folded over and filled with a dark red jam visible at one corner. The cookies have a slightly rough texture and some are topped with small bits of yellow zest or sugar crystals that add a sparkly look. They are placed irregularly on a piece of light brown parchment paper, which rests on a white marbled surface covered partially by a festive red cloth. Around the edges, there are some candy canes and red decorations that add a holiday feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without xanthan gum?

If your gluten-free flour blend already includes a binder like xanthan gum or guar gum, you can omit the additional xanthan gum. Otherwise, it helps give the cookies structure and prevent crumbling.

Is it necessary to separate the egg?

Yes, separating the egg allows you to use the yolk in the dough for richness while reserving the white for brushing the cookies before baking, which adds a glossy finish and helps decorative sugar stick.