Today, you’re going to learn how to make delicious casadinhos de goiaba (Brazilian guava sandwich cookies). This recipe is incredibly simple, uses just a few pantry staples, and is a fantastic treat to serve to family, sell at markets, or bring to parties. Best of all? They are absolutely addictive! If you haven’t subscribed to our blog yet, be sure to join us to stay up to date with all our latest recipes!
Ingredients for Guava Sandwich Cookies:
- 2/3 cup (150g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Guava paste (Goiabada) for the filling
- Granulated sugar for coating
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar. Add the softened butter and mix well until the dough is uniform. Using butter at room temperature is key to getting the right consistency.
- Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until you have a soft, cohesive dough, similar in texture to a traditional shortbread.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into small balls. Don’t worry about weighing them, but try to keep them uniform in size so your cookies bake evenly and look professional.
- Because the dough is buttery, there’s no need to grease your baking sheet. Place the dough balls on a baking tray, spacing them out slightly so they don’t stick together as they bake.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the bottom. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary.
- While the cookies bake, prepare the guava filling. Using a fork, mash the guava paste until it’s smooth and spreadable. For an easier time, transfer it into a piping bag to fill the cookies.
- Once the cookies have cooled slightly, it’s time to assemble. Take two cookies of similar size, pipe a small amount of guava paste onto one, and top it with the second cookie. Press gently to sandwich them together.
- Finally, roll the edges of the assembled cookies in a small bowl of granulated sugar. This adds a beautiful sparkle and a delightful crunch.
Pro Tips:
- Variations: If you can’t find guava paste, you can substitute it with dulce de leche or high-quality chocolate ganache for a delicious twist.
- For Selling: If making these for a business, make the cookies smaller—bite-sized versions are perfect for small gift bags and are very popular with customers.
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container. They actually get softer and even better after sitting for a few hours, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.
- Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Preparation Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Bake: 10–15 minutes
- Total: Approx. 30 minutes
Yield
About 20 to 25 sandwich cookies, depending on the size of your balls.
Fun Facts:
The casadinho de goiaba is a beloved Brazilian classic, especially popular during June festivals and family gatherings. The contrast between the melt-in-your-mouth buttery cookie and the sweet, tangy guava filling makes it a favorite for all ages.
More than just a cookie, it’s a piece of Brazilian culture, as guava is a native tropical fruit. You’ll find these treats in almost every bakery across Brazil—the perfect grab-and-go snack or afternoon dessert.
Now that you have all the steps to make authentic Brazilian guava cookies, it’s time to head to the kitchen! This recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit in your home.