Pastelitos de Carne (Cuban Beef Pastries)

If you've ever gone to a Cuban bakery, I'm sure you've seen these Pastelitos De Carne. These pastries are puff pastry rounds filled with Cuban picadillo then baked to perfection and brushed with simple syrup for the perfect sweet-savory treat!

📝 Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Cuban Beef Picadillo (cooked)
• 1 package puff pastry sheets ((I used Pepperidge Farm))
• 1 large egg (whisked)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Make Pastelitos De Carne ---
2. 2Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions, usually about 20-30 minutes. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
3. 3Preheat oven to 400ºF.
4. 4Unfold both pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 9 circles using the rim of a glass cup or a biscuit cutter.
5. 5Place a tablespoon of the picadillo filling in the center of each dough circle. Cover with another dough circle on top.
6. 6Gently seal the edges of the dough circles together using a fork or by pressing down with your fingers. Brush egg wash on each pastry to get that flaky crust.
7. 7Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. 8--- Make Simple Syrup ---
9. 9While the pastries are in the oven, stir granulated sugar and water together in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Set aside.
10. 10Remove the pastries from the oven and lightly brush the pastries with simple syrup. Serve immediately and enjoy!