Guava Cookie Bars

Guava Cookie Bars

2023 Holiday Cookie Recipe Contest Winner
“These are always a big hit and easy to make. It's a bit of the tropics to brighten a grey northwest day. Guava reminds me of family trips to Mexico, walking through the beautiful mercados and bringing home bags of tropical fruit.” – Naomi P.

A gooey guava center tucked between a soft sugar cookie base and coconut-oat topping.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 (14-ounce) package guava paste

TOPPING

  • 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and beat until incorporated.
  4. Add flour and salt. Mix on low until dough comes together.
  5. Press half the dough onto bottom of prepared pan, smoothing it until base is even. Set aside remaining half.
  6. Slice guava paste 1/4-inch thick. Arrange guava slices in an even layer atop the dough.
  7. Make streusel topping: To remaining dough, add oats, coconut, 2 tablespoons flour, and dark brown sugar. Mix to combine. Sprinkle topping evenly over guava slices.
  8. Bake until top is golden, about 40 to 45 minutes. Once cool, remove from pan by lifting parchment and transfer to cutting board. Cut into squares.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 190
  • Fat: 8.0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 20.0 mg
  • Sodium: 50.0 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 27.0 g
  • Fiber: 1.0 g
  • Added Sugars: 17.0 g
  • Sugar: 17.0 g
  • Protein: 1.0 g