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
- 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.
- Add Seasonings and Egg Yolk: Stir in the sea salt, then add the egg yolk, blending thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Guava Filling: Cut the guava paste into rectangles measuring approximately 1 inch long by 1/2 inch wide, ready for assembly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the assembled cookies on the prepared baking sheets with space between each to allow even baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool the Twists: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets placed on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
- Repeat for Remaining Dough: While the first batch bakes, repeat the rolling, cutting, assembling, and baking process with the second half of the dough.
- 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
