Travesseiros de Sintra
Indulge in Travesseiros de Sintra, a delightful almond-filled pastry perfect for sharing and creating sweet memories.
Ah, the Travesseiros de Sintra! This delightful pastry finds its home in a cozy little café in Sintra, where both locals and visitors stop by to treat themselves after wandering through the enchanting palaces and lush gardens. Named "pillows" for their soft, inviting shape, these pastries are a cherished part of the region’s culinary tradition, often paired with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Just think of that flaky, buttery crust hugging a sweet almond filling — it’s the perfect indulgence for a relaxed afternoon.
The magic of Travesseiros de Sintra is brought to life in family kitchens all over Portugal, where skilled hands create them with love. Each bite is a warm hug of flavors and textures that remind you of home. While they are often served during special celebrations, let’s be honest — they’re a wonderful treat any day of the week. Making these pastries at home gives you a chance to share a little piece of Sintra with your loved ones, creating sweet memories that linger long after the last bite.
Ingredients · 4 servings
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g unsalted butter, softened
- 50 g sugar
- 1 large egg
- 100 g ground almonds
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 large egg yolk (for egg wash)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, softened butter, and sugar until crumbly.
- Add the egg and mix until a dough forms. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining ground almonds, powdered sugar, and almond extract in a bowl.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 3 mm thick.
- Cut the dough into squares, placing a spoonful of the almond filling in the center of each square.
- Fold the dough over to form triangles and pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the pastries on a baking sheet, brush with egg yolk, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.