# What You'll Need:
→ Pastry
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
05 - 1/3 cup ice-cold water
06 - 1 large egg for egg wash
→ Filling
07 - 3/4 cup guava paste or thick guava jam
08 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
09 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Glaze
11 - 1 cup powdered sugar
12 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
13 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - Pink or red food coloring, optional
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
02 - Gradually add ice-cold water while mixing just until the dough comes together without overworking. Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
03 - In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture reaches a smooth, uniform consistency.
04 - On a lightly floured work surface, roll out one chilled dough disk to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the rolled dough into 8 rectangular pieces, each measuring approximately 3 by 4 inches.
05 - Place 1 teaspoon of guava paste and 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of 4 rectangles, maintaining a clear border around all edges to allow for proper sealing.
06 - Brush the edges of the filled rectangles with beaten egg wash. Position the remaining 4 rectangles on top of the filled ones and press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp all edges for a decorative finish.
07 - Transfer the assembled pop tarts to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and return to the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm the dough.
08 - Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove pop tarts from refrigeration, brush the top surfaces with egg wash, and prick each top with a fork to allow steam to vent during baking.
09 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the pastry achieves a deep golden brown color. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before glazing.
10 - Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, stirring until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Add pink or red food coloring if desired. Drizzle or spread the glaze evenly over the cooled pop tarts and allow to set before serving.
