Puerto Rican Quesitos Recipe

Puerto Rican quesitos are delicious and easy to make snacks. In Puerto Rico, quesitos are among the most widely consumed pastries. These are cheese pastries that are fried and coated with sugar syrup.

Puerto Rican quesitos are perfect for any party or gathering and will surely please everyone. You can prepare these delicious pastries with sweet cream cheese and puff pastry for the entire family with this recipe.

Puerto Rican Quesitos

Puerto Rican Quesitos are made with cream cheese, sugar, and dough and are often flavored with honey. Quesitos are typically served as a snack or dessert and can be found in many bakeries and cafes throughout Puerto Rico.

Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a dessert to impress your guests, Puerto Rican Quesitos is sure to hit the spot. So next time you're in the mood for something sweet, make sure to try these little pastries.

Ingredients needed:

The ingredients for this Puerto Rican quesitos that the whole family will enjoy are listed below. Scroll down to access our printable recipe card that includes step-by-step directions and measurements.

For the quesitos you’ll need:

• Puff pastry dough: Frozen
• Cream cheese: Softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

For the egg brush, you’ll need the following:

• Egg yolk
• Cold water

For the honey sugar syrup, you’ll need the following:

• Water
• Sugar
• Honey

How to cook Puerto Rican quesitos from scratch? 

1. Prepare the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Then, cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Mix: Mix the softened cream cheese and sugars together in a medium-sized bowl, then set aside. Meanwhile, beat the egg and water in a small bowl and set it aside.
3. Roll the dough: Cut the frozen puff pastry sheet into 5-inch by 5-inch squares after removing it from the freezer. Place the pastry squares on a clean, flat surface and delicately brush the egg wash along the edges of each square. Next, place about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on the pastry square's left side, fold the dough over the mixture from left to right, and roll it into a log. Roll out the dough and space the pieces an inch apart on the baking pan. With the remaining dough and cream cheese mixture, repeat this procedure.
4. Bake the dough: Apply egg wash gently to the quesitos. Additionally, use a fork to make a few small holes in the tops so that steam can escape. It should be baked for around 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and puffy.
5. Make the honey sugar syrup: While the pastries are baking, place a medium pot over medium-high heat and add water, sugar, and honey. Bring the mixture to a simmer and simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Make sure to keep it warm.
6. Brush with syrup:  Lastly, remove the quesitos from the oven and immediately brush with the first layer of syrup. After a few minutes, brush again with the second layer of syrup. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

How to serve:

Puerto Rican quesitos are a delicious, cheesy treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. But what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas:

Try pairing quesitos with a simple salad of greens and tomatoes for a savory option. The contrast of the fresh, crunchy veggies with the rich, cheesy quesitos is sure to please your taste buds.

How about some fresh fruit if you're looking for something sweet to pair with your quesitos? Sliced bananas or strawberries would be a perfect complement to the sweetness of the cheese.

No matter what you choose to serve with your quesitos, one thing is for sure – they'll be gone in no time!

Frequently asked questions

What are Quesitos made of?

Quesitos are a type of cheese pastry that is popular in Puerto Rico. They are made with a type of cheese called Queso Blanco, which is a white, fresh cheese. The dough is typically made with flour, butter, and eggs. 

Quesitos are often served as breakfast pastries but can also be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They can be plain or filled with fruit or other flavors. Quesitos are typically fried, but some bakeries will bake them instead. 

You might enjoy these Puerto Rican dessert recipes:

• Puerto Rican Flancocho Recipe
• Simple Besitos de Coco / Coconut Macaroons
• Instant Pot Flan de Calabaza (Pumpkin Flan)

How do you keep puff pastry crisp overnight?

There are several ways to keep puff pastry crisp overnight. One way is to place the puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Another way is to place the puff pastry in an airtight container. Finally, you can wrap the puff pastry in plastic wrap before storing it in the refrigerator.

Can I make quesitos in advance?

The best time to eat puff pastry is right after baking, ideally the same day. If you wish to prepare these ahead of time, chill them in the refrigerator for an entire day instead of only 30 minutes. Cover the pastries with plastic wrap if you plan to chill them for more than 30 minutes to keep them from drying in the fridge.

How to store leftovers:

If you're lucky enough to have leftover quesitos, you can do a few things to ensure it stays fresh. First, if the quesito is still in the wrapper, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. If it's already been cut, wrap it tightly in plastic or foil and store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze quesito for up to two months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen quesito, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.

Recipe tips: 

Keeping your puff pastry cool is the most important tip for this recipe. The pastries should be put together quickly and chilled for 30 minutes before baking.

Also, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before beginning the dough. This will make it easier to work with.

Then when rolling out the dough, be sure to use plenty of flour to prevent sticking.