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Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Guava and Cream Cheese Twists Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 2 hours 39 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Delight in these Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Guava and Cream Cheese Twists, featuring a tender, flaky dough made with non-dairy butter and cream cheese, filled with sweet guava paste. Perfect for those avoiding gluten and dairy, these twists offer a unique tropical flavor wrapped in a beautifully twisted pastry, ideal for tea time or a sweet snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough 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

Filling

  • 12 ounces guava paste (one package)

Optional

  • Decorative sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Creamy Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the non-dairy butter, non-dairy cream cheese, and coconut sugar until the mixture is creamy and well combined to create a smooth dough base.
  2. Add Seasonings and Egg Yolk: Stir in the sea salt, then add the egg yolk, blending thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently mix in the gluten-free flour and xanthan gum until the dough is just incorporated, ensuring not to overmix for tenderness.
  4. Shape and Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half and form each half into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up the dough for easy handling.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  6. Prepare Guava Filling: Cut the guava paste into rectangles measuring approximately 1 inch long by 1/2 inch wide, ready for assembly.
  7. Roll Out Dough: Roll half of the chilled dough between sheets of plastic wrap into a flat rectangle about 15 inches by 6 inches, with a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
  8. Cut Dough Pieces: Cut the rolled dough into smaller rectangles approximately 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches suitable for folding with the guava filling.
  9. Assemble Twists: Place a guava paste rectangle diagonally in the center of each dough piece. Bring the opposite corners over the guava paste and pinch the corners together to enclose the filling securely.
  10. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the assembled cookies on the prepared baking sheets with space between each to allow even baking.
  11. Optional Egg White Glaze and Sugar: If desired, brush each cookie with the reserved egg white and sprinkle with decorative sugar for a glossy finish.
  12. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
  13. Cool the Twists: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets placed on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
  14. Repeat for Remaining Dough: While the first batch bakes, repeat the rolling, cutting, assembling, and baking process with the second half of the dough.
  15. Storage and Serving: These guava and cream cheese twists are best enjoyed fresh on the first day. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure the non-dairy butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
  • Chilling the dough is essential to make rolling and handling easier and to maintain the shape during baking.
  • Xanthan gum is important in gluten-free baking to help bind the dough and improve texture.
  • Feel free to substitute decorative sugar with coarse sugar or colored sanding sugar for a festive appearance.
  • If guava paste is not available, a similar tropical fruit paste or thick jam can be used as a filling.
  • Egg allergy substitution: omit the egg and use a flax or chia egg replacer for binding if required.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Keywords: gluten-free cookies, dairy-free dessert, guava paste recipe, cream cheese cookies, tropical dessert, allergy-friendly baking