Bocadillo Hamantaschen

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bocadillo Hamantaschen combines the best of both worlds—the crispy, buttery dough of the traditional hamantaschen and the tropical, sweet flavor of guava. The contrast between the rich dough and the sweet guava paste creates a mouthwatering treat that’s both familiar and exotic. Not only are these pastries easy to make, but they’re also a fun way to bring a new twist to a beloved classic. Whether you’re looking for something unique for Purim or simply craving a delicious pastry, Bocadillo Hamantaschen is the perfect choice.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup orange juice (or water)

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup bocadillo (guava paste), chopped into small cubes

• 1-2 tablespoons water (to soften the bocadillo)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more orange juice or water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the bocadillo filling: While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a small saucepan, heat the guava paste and 1-2 tablespoons of water over low heat, stirring constantly, until the paste becomes soft and easy to spread. Set aside to cool.

3. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

4. Shape the hamantaschen: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough (about 3 inches in diameter). Place a teaspoon of guava filling in the center of each circle. To form the hamantaschen, fold up the sides of the dough to form a triangle, pinching the edges together to seal the filling inside.

5. Bake the hamantaschen: Place the shaped hamantaschen on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

6. Cool and serve: Allow the hamantaschen to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12-15 hamantaschen, depending on the size of your dough circles. The preparation time is around 30 minutes (plus chilling time for the dough), with a baking time of 12-15 minutes.

Variations

• Different fillings: While guava paste is the star of this recipe, you can also try other fillings, such as fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, or strawberry), chocolate, or even cream cheese and jam for a different flavor.

• Citrus zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for an extra layer of flavor that complements the guava filling.

• Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make the dough vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Bocadillo Hamantaschen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fruit paste?

Yes, you can substitute guava paste with other fruit pastes like mango or quince, depending on what you prefer or have available.

Can I make these hamantaschen in advance?

Yes! The dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the unbaked hamantaschen for up to 3 months—just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze the hamantaschen after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the baked hamantaschen. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I use store-bought guava paste?

Absolutely! If you don’t have time to make guava paste from scratch, store-bought guava paste works just as well and is a convenient option.

How do I make sure the hamantaschen dough stays crisp?

Make sure the dough is rolled thin enough (about 1/8 inch) and not too thick. Overbaking can also lead to a crisper texture, but be careful not to burn them. Let them cool on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.

How can I make my hamantaschen more golden brown?

For a golden finish, brush the edges of the hamantaschen with a bit of beaten egg before baking. This will give them a beautiful shine and enhance the golden color.

Can I make the dough without butter?

Yes, you can use vegan butter or margarine as a substitute for the butter in the dough. It will work well in creating the flaky, tender texture.

Can I add a little sugar on top?

Absolutely! Sprinkle a small amount of sugar on top of the hamantaschen before baking for a touch of extra sweetness and crunch.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, you can chop up nuts like pistachios, almonds, or walnuts and mix them into the guava paste for added texture and flavor.

How do I shape the hamantaschen into triangles?

To form the triangle shape, fold up three sides of the dough circle towards the center and pinch the edges together, leaving the center open so the filling is visible.

Conclusion

Bocadillo Hamantaschen are a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional Jewish hamantaschen, infusing the beloved pastry with the sweet, tropical taste of guava. The combination of buttery dough, gooey guava filling, and the classic triangular shape creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Purim or simply looking for a fun way to enjoy a delicious pastry, these hamantaschen are sure to impress with their exotic flavor and beautiful presentation. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a sweet snack any time of year!