Guava shortbread cookies bring together the buttery richness of classic shortbread with the sweet tropical flavor of guava. This delightful combination creates a treat that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a subtle fruity twist that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
We love how simple ingredients come together to make something so special. The guava jam adds a vibrant burst of flavor while keeping the cookie soft and tender. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time.
If you’re looking to add a tropical flair to your baking repertoire, guava shortbread cookies are a fantastic choice. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these irresistible treats right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Guava Shortbread Cookies, we need simple yet high-quality ingredients that bring together the rich buttery texture and the tropical sweetness. Below are the essentials divided into two parts for clarity.
For the Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted for smoothness
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, measured and sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Guava Filling
- 3/4 cup guava jam (preferably smooth, seedless for even filling)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice to balance sweetness
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Softened for easy mixing |
| Powdered sugar | 3/4 cup | Sifted for no lumps |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Sifted for light texture |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Enhances flavor balance |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds depth to dough flavor |
| Guava jam | 3/4 cup | Use smooth, seedless if possible |
| Lemon juice (optional) | 1 tablespoon | Adds brightness to filling |
These ingredients will help us achieve the classic shortbread crumb texture paired with that signature guava sweetness, making our cookies truly unforgettable.
Equipment Needed
To create our perfect Guava Shortbread Cookies, having the right equipment is essential for precision and ease. Below is a detailed list of the tools we rely on to deliver consistent baking results:
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium and large bowls for combining the dough ingredients efficiently.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: This helps us cream the unsalted butter and powdered sugar smoothly, producing the ideal shortbread texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements of flour, sugar, and vanilla extract impact the cookie’s texture and flavor.
- Spatula: Flexible silicone spatulas allow us to scrape the dough from the sides of the bowl without wasting any ingredients.
- Rolling Pin: Crucial for rolling out the dough evenly to ensure uniform cookie thickness.
- Cookie Cutters or Knife: We prefer round or square cutters to shape our shortbread. If unavailable, a sharp knife works perfectly for cutting dough into neat shapes.
- Baking Sheet: A flat, rimless baking sheet helps the cookies bake evenly without spreading too much.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Lining the baking sheet prevents sticking and ensures even browning of the shortbread.
- Cooling Rack: A wire rack helps the cookies cool quickly and maintain their crisp texture.
- Small Spoon or Offset Spatula: For spreading or dolloping the guava jam filling precisely on each cookie base.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine ingredients |
| Electric or Stand Mixer | Cream butter and sugar |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement |
| Spatula | Scrape dough |
| Rolling Pin | Evenly flatten dough |
| Cookie Cutters or Knife | Shape cookies |
| Baking Sheet | Bake cookies evenly |
| Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat | Prevent sticking, promote even baking |
| Cooling Rack | Cool cookies evenly |
| Small Spoon/Offset Spatula | Apply guava jam filling |
Using these tools streamlines the process, letting us focus on crafting buttery shortbread with luscious guava filling that melts in your mouth. Having well-maintained and clean equipment also ensures the best texture and flavor in every batch of our Guava Shortbread Cookies.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To enjoy our Guava Shortbread Cookies with minimal effort on the day of serving, we can prepare essential parts of the recipe in advance. Here are the steps to ensure convenience without compromising the buttery texture or the vibrant guava flavor.
Prepare and Chill the Dough
- Mix the dough according to the recipe directions until the butter and sugar are fully creamed.
- Combine the dry ingredients and incorporate them into the creamed mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably up to 24 hours. This resting period allows the dough to firm up making it easier to roll and cut.
“Chilled dough also prevents excessive spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.”
Assembling and Storing Assembled Cookies
- After rolling and cutting, spread the guava jam generously on half of the cookies.
- Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
- Arrange the assembled cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, freezing is highly effective. Whether you want to freeze the dough or the assembled cookies, follow these tips:
| Item | How to Freeze | Storage Duration | Thawing Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortbread Dough | Shape into a disk, wrap tightly | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in fridge before rolling |
| Assembled Cookies | Place on parchment, freeze firm | Up to 2 months | Bake directly from freezer, add +2 min baking time |
Baking from Make-Ahead State
- Preheat the oven as indicated.
- If baking straight from the fridge, no additional preparation is needed.
- For frozen cookies, bake directly without thawing. Increase baking time by 1 to 2 minutes and watch closely to avoid over-browning.
- Let cookies cool on wire racks before serving.
By following these make-ahead tips, we can maintain the rich buttery texture and bright guava flavor while saving precious time during busy days or for large batches. This approach is perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply having a tropical delight ready whenever we crave.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to create perfectly buttery and delectably sweet guava shortbread cookies that will impress every palate.
Preparing the Shortbread Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) and ½ cup powdered sugar.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix briefly to incorporate.
- Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt to the butter mixture.
- Use a spatula or your hands to gently blend the flour into the wet ingredients until a smooth, cohesive dough forms—avoid overmixing to maintain the shortbread’s tender crumb.
Rolling and Cutting the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to approximately ¼ inch thickness.
- Chill the dough slab for 15 minutes in the refrigerator if it feels too soft for clean cutting.
- Use your preferred cookie cutter (round or square shapes work best) to cut out cookies evenly.
- Gently transfer the cut dough pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Adding the Guava Filling
- Place a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of smooth, seedless guava jam in the center of half the cookies.
- Optionally, add a few drops of lemon juice to the jam for a slight tang balancing the sweetness.
- Top each jam-spread cookie with a plain cookie to create a sandwich.
- Press gently around the edges to seal the filling inside without squeezing out the jam.
Baking the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the baking sheet in the center rack.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden hue.
- Avoid overbaking to preserve the classic crumbly texture and buttery flavor.
| Oven Temperature | Baking Time |
|---|---|
| 325°F (163°C) | 18-22 minutes |
Cooling and Serving
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies using a spatula to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve at room temperature alongside tea or coffee for a perfectly balanced tropical treat.
Storage Tips
Proper storage of Guava Shortbread Cookies ensures their buttery texture and sweet guava flavor stay fresh and delightful for days. Here is how we keep our cookies perfectly preserved:
Room Temperature Storage
- Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.
Refrigeration
- Place assembled guava shortbread cookies in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate to extend freshness up to 1 week.
- Let cookies come to room temperature before serving to enjoy full flavor and buttery crumb.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is ideal to preserve the signature combination of shortbread and guava jam.
| Item | Preparation | Freezing Duration | Thawing Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortbread Dough | Wrap in plastic wrap and foil | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in refrigerator; roll and bake as directed. |
| Assembled Cookies (Unbaked) | Arrange on parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to airtight container or bag | Up to 3 months | Thaw in refrigerator for 1-2 hours, then bake immediately. |
| Baked Cookies | Place in airtight container or freezer bag | Up to 2 months | Thaw at room temperature for 1 hour before serving. |
Additional Tips
- Always cool cookies completely before storing to avoid moisture buildup.
- Use sturdy, airtight containers or resealable freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and odor absorption.
- Label containers with date and contents to keep track of storage times.
Conclusion
Guava shortbread cookies bring a perfect balance of buttery richness and tropical sweetness that’s hard to resist. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re making them for a cozy afternoon tea or a special gathering, these cookies add a unique twist to any occasion.
By following the tips for preparation, baking, and storage, you can enjoy fresh, delicious guava shortbread cookies anytime. We’re confident this recipe will become a favorite in your baking repertoire, offering a delightful treat that’s both comforting and refreshingly different. Give it a try and savor the wonderful flavors that guava and shortbread create together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for guava shortbread cookies?
You’ll need unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and vanilla extract for the shortbread dough. For the filling, use smooth, seedless guava jam. Lemon juice is optional to balance sweetness.
What equipment do I need to bake guava shortbread cookies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a rolling pin, cookie cutters or a knife, baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats, a cooling rack, and a small spoon or offset spatula.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made in advance and chilled in the refrigerator for 1 to 24 hours to improve texture. Assembled cookies can also be refrigerated or frozen before baking.
How do I bake guava shortbread cookies?
Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, add guava jam between cookie halves, then bake at 325°F (163°C) for 18-22 minutes until golden. Cool before serving.
How should I store guava shortbread cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the dough or baked cookies properly wrapped.
What makes these cookies unique?
The combination of buttery shortbread and sweet, tropical guava jam creates a distinctive flavor and texture that’s simple yet unforgettable.
Can these cookies be paired with drinks?
Yes, guava shortbread cookies pair perfectly with tea or coffee, enhancing their flavor as a delightful treat for any occasion.