Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these guava cream cheese thumbprint cookies! They’re sweet, soft, and just melt in your mouth—absolutely perfect for any occasion. I whip these up for family gatherings, and they never fail to steal the show. The combination of rich cream cheese and that delightful guava paste creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! Whether it’s a cozy get-together or a festive celebration, these cookies will make everyone smile. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy and delicious treat!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (this adds that creamy richness we love!)
- 1 cup sugar (for just the right amount of sweetness)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (this forms the base of our cookies)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because everything’s better with vanilla!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance all those sweet flavors)
- 1/2 cup guava paste (this is the star of the show, adding that fruity goodness)
How to Prepare Guava Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to go in!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until it’s all smooth and creamy. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling strong!
- Next, add in the sugar and mix until it’s well combined. You want to make sure the sugar is fully incorporated, so don’t rush this step!
- Now it’s time to add the flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little crumbly at first; just keep mixing until it comes together.
- Once your dough is ready, roll it into small balls—about the size of a tablespoon—and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them because they’ll spread a little while baking!
- Here comes the fun part! Using your thumb (or the back of a spoon if you prefer), make a little indentation in the center of each dough ball. This is where all that delicious guava paste will go!
- Fill each indentation with guava paste. Don’t be shy—this is where you get all that sweet, fruity goodness!
- Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, though; you don’t want to overbake!
- Once they’re baked to perfection, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This way, they can set up nicely before you dig in!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a little insight into the nutritional values of these delightful guava cream cheese thumbprint cookies. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 150 per cookie
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a wonderful treat, and while they do have some sweetness, they’re still a great indulgence for any occasion! Enjoy them in moderation and savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings!
- Delightful flavor that combines creamy richness with the fruity sweetness of guava.
- Soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile—great for holidays, parties, or just a cozy afternoon treat.
- Fun to make, especially with kids! Everyone loves making those little thumbprint indents.
- Store well in an airtight container, so you can enjoy them for days.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your guava cream cheese thumbprint cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you avoid any little hiccups along the way:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. This makes it so much easier to cream them together and ensures a smoother texture in your dough.
- Don’t Rush the Mixing: Take your time when mixing the sugar into the butter and cream cheese. You want it to be light and fluffy, which helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to roll into balls and helps prevent spreading too much during baking.
- Indentation Technique: When making the thumbprint indents, don’t press too hard! You want a nice well for the guava paste, but if you push too deep, you’ll end up with a hole instead of a thumbprint.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so start checking your cookies around the 15-minute mark. You’re looking for those lovely, lightly golden edges, so don’t let them go too far!
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit and prevents them from breaking apart.
- Experiment with Fillings: While guava paste is a star, don’t hesitate to try different fruit pastes or jams! Each variation can bring a new flavor experience to your cookies.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to cookie perfection! Enjoy the process, and remember—baking is all about having fun!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these guava cream cheese thumbprint cookies! Here are some of my favorite variations to keep things exciting:
- Mango Magic: Substitute guava paste with mango jam for a tropical twist. The bright flavor pairs beautifully with the cream cheese!
- Berry Bliss: Use raspberry or strawberry preserves instead of guava for a burst of berry goodness. The tartness of the berries complements the sweet dough perfectly.
- Citrus Zing: Add a bit of orange or lemon zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens the whole cookie!
- Nutty Delight: Mix in some finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, into the dough for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch. You can also add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate version!
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations! Each variation adds a unique flair to these cookies, making them even more delightful. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with a little creativity in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delicious guava cream cheese thumbprint cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storing: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need them to last a bit longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just make sure they’re well sealed to avoid drying out!
- Freezing: Want to save some for later? You can freeze these cookies! Just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, no problem! Just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will help soften them up and bring back that freshly baked taste. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too toasty!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor those lovely guava cream cheese thumbprint cookies for days to come! Enjoy every last crumb!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of those delightful guava cream cheese thumbprint cookies, let’s talk about how to elevate your cookie experience even further! Here are some fun ideas on what to serve alongside them that will really enhance the flavors and make for a perfect treat:
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Serve with a colorful assortment of fresh fruits like strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi. The freshness of the fruit complements the sweet, creamy cookies beautifully!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side adds a light and airy touch. It’s a lovely contrast to the richness of the cookies!
- Iced Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a refreshing glass of iced coffee or a chilled herbal tea. The cool drink balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Chocolate Drizzle: If you want to go all out, drizzle some melted chocolate over your cookies just before serving. It adds an extra layer of decadence that’s hard to resist!
- Ice Cream: For a fun twist, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. The contrast in temperature and texture is simply delightful!
- Cheese Board: Create a small cheese board featuring creamy cheeses, nuts, and maybe a little honey. It makes for a sophisticated pairing while offering a savory balance to the sweet cookies.
- Sweet Dipping Sauce: Consider a light dip like a vanilla bean sauce or even a fruit puree for dipping. It’s not just delicious but also adds a fun interactive element!
These serving suggestions will take your guava cream cheese thumbprint cookies from delicious to absolutely unforgettable! Mix and match based on your mood or occasion, and enjoy the scrumptious experience!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out this link!
For tips on baking techniques, visit our blog!
For nutritional information on various ingredients, you can refer to Healthline.
Print
Guava Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies That Wow Everyone
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These guava cream cheese thumbprint cookies are sweet, soft, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup guava paste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in the sugar until well combined.
- Add the flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb.
- Fill the indentation with guava paste.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different fruit pastes for variety.
- Chill the dough for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: guava cream cheese thumbprint cookies, thumbprint cookies, guava cookies