Brazilian recipe
Easy Homemade Brazilian Guava Shortbread Bites (Abraçadinhos)
These delightful Brazilian treats, known as 'abraçadinhos', pair a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth pastry with a sweet guava paste center. Perfect for afternoon tea, party platters, or a sweet snack.
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Ingredients
500g vegetable shortening
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
200ml guarana soda
All-purpose flour, as needed to reach a rolling consistency
Guava paste (goiabada), cut into small strips
Refined caster sugar, for dusting
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
200ml guarana soda
All-purpose flour, as needed to reach a rolling consistency
Guava paste (goiabada), cut into small strips
Refined caster sugar, for dusting
Where to find ingredients
Vegetable shortening and all-purpose flour are found in the baking aisle of any standard supermarket. Refined sugar is your typical caster or white granulated sugar. Guarana soda (often branded as Guaraná Antarctica) is a staple Brazilian soft drink; check the 'international' or 'Latin' section of large grocery stores or specialty import shops. Guava paste (goiabada) is the key ingredient here; look for solid blocks of 'pasta de guayaba' or 'goiabada' in Latin American markets, specialty deli sections, or the international aisle of well-stocked supermarkets.
Preparation method
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the vegetable shortening, sugar, and guarana soda
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until you have a smooth, pliable dough that can be rolled out
- Cover the dough and let it rest for approximately 30 minutes
- On a floured surface, roll the dough out to your desired thickness
- Cut the rolled dough into small, uniform squares
- Place a small strip of guava paste in the center of each square
- Fold the corners of the dough over to meet in the middle, creating a small parcel, and pinch well to ensure the filling is fully enclosed
- Arrange the parcels on a baking sheet, spacing them out so they don't touch
- Bake in a preheated oven until they are lightly golden
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely
- Once cooled, toss or dust the pastries in refined caster sugar
Observations
Abraçadinhos are a traditional Brazilian sweet that hits the spot for anyone craving a bite-sized treat that's as tasty as it is simple to make. The secret is in the light, buttery pastry that literally melts on your tongue, perfectly complemented by a classic guava paste (goiabada) center. They’re a fantastic addition to 'Festa Junina' spreads, afternoon coffee breaks, or just whenever you need a little something sweet to brighten your day.
With everyday pantry staples and a no-fuss prep method, anyone can whip up a batch of these authentic treats at home. The finished result is a dainty, light-textured biscuit with a slight crunch on the outside and a tender, sweet center that keeps everyone coming back for more.
With everyday pantry staples and a no-fuss prep method, anyone can whip up a batch of these authentic treats at home. The finished result is a dainty, light-textured biscuit with a slight crunch on the outside and a tender, sweet center that keeps everyone coming back for more.
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