Queijadas de Sintra
These traditional Portuguese tarts feature a delicate, crisp crust filled with a sweet, creamy cheese mixture. They are a beloved treat from the town of Sintra, perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 45 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 324 kcal
Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
crust
- 150 gall-purpose flour
- 75 gbutter, cold, cubed
- 30 mlwater, cold
- 0.5 tspsalt
filling
- 200 gfresh cheese, such as ricotta or quark
- 100 ggranulated sugar
- 1 pcsegg, large
- 1 pcsegg yolk
- 10 gall-purpose flour
- 0.25 tspcinnamon, ground
Equipment
round cookie cutter · muffin tin or tart molds · pastry blender (optional) · rolling pin · wire rack · mixing bowls
The method
Step by step
- 1
Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl for the crust.
About 1 min
- 2
Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using your fingertips or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Work quickly to keep the butter cold, which helps create a flaky crust.
- 3
Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
About 1 min
- 4
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
About 1 min
- 5
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
About 10 min
- 6
While the dough chills, prepare the filling by combining the fresh cheese, granulated sugar, egg, egg yolk, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the cheese is well-drained if it has high moisture content.
- 7
Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
About 1 min
- 8
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough thinly, about 2-3mm thick.
About 3 min
- 9
Cut out 10-12 circles using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, approximately 8-10 cm in diameter.
About 2 min
- 10
Gently press each dough circle into a muffin tin or individual tart molds.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Do not grease the molds if they are non-stick, otherwise a light greasing is beneficial.
- 11
Spoon the cheese filling into each dough-lined mold, filling them about two-thirds full.
About 2 min
- 12
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set and slightly browned on top.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: The filling may puff up during baking and then settle as it cools.
- 13
Remove from the oven and let the queijadas cool in the molds for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
About 5 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 323.6kcal
- Protein
- 8g
- Carbs
- 38.2g
- Fat
- 15.4g
- Fibre
- 0.8g
- Sugar
- 16.9g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover queijadas in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Empty if eaten cold