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Casadinhos

BRAZIL

Guava Sandwich Cookies

SUBMITTED BY

Isabella

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Isabella’s favorite cookies come from a beloved family recipe and are bursting with Brazilian flavor!

Casadinhos, meaning “little married ones” in Portuguese, are among Brazil’s most beloved traditional cookies. These delicate sandwich-style treats, often filled with sweet guava paste known as goiabada, symbolize unity and harmony—two halves perfectly joined together, just like a happy marriage. Their charming name and delightful flavor have made them a cherished part of Brazilian culinary heritage, especially during holidays, weddings, and family gatherings.

Origins and European Influence

The history of Casadinhos can be traced back to Brazil’s colonial era, when Portuguese settlers brought their baking traditions to South America. Many of these recipes featured buttery doughs, sugar, and fruit preserves—ingredients that became the foundation of Brazilian sweets. Over time, these European confections evolved to reflect local tastes and ingredients, with guava emerging as a distinctly tropical twist.

Guava was native to Brazil and quickly became a staple in desserts. When Portuguese-style cookies met Brazilian goiabada, a thick, ruby-red guava paste, the result was Casadinhos as they are known today. The blend of European pastry techniques and native fruit flavors perfectly represents Brazil’s fusion cuisine—one deeply influenced by its multicultural history.

The Symbolism Behind the Name

The name “Casadinhos” is no coincidence. These cookies are made by “marrying” two halves together with a layer of sweet filling in between. Traditionally, they are served at weddings, bridal showers, and festive celebrations, symbolizing love, unity, and togetherness. Some regions even use them as gifts or favors for guests, reinforcing their association with affection and harmony.

Goiabada: The Heart of the Cookie

The signature guava filling is what makes Casadinhos truly Brazilian. Goiabada dates back to the early colonial period, when Portuguese settlers adapted their recipes for quince paste (marmelada) using the abundant local guavas. Slowly cooked with sugar, the guava mixture transforms into a thick, fragrant paste with a deep red hue and tropical aroma.

Over time, goiabada became an essential ingredient in Brazilian sweets—from cakes and pastries to the famous Romeo e Julieta, a simple but beloved pairing of guava paste and cheese. In Casadinhos, it adds a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Regional Variations and Modern Popularity

While the classic Casadinho features goiabada, variations abound across Brazil. Some versions use dulce de leche (doce de leite), chocolate, or fruit jams, depending on regional preferences. In the state of Minas Gerais, where dairy and sweets reign supreme, bakers often add cornstarch or cassava flour to achieve a tender, crumbly texture.

Today, Casadinhos are enjoyed across generations. They are sold in bakeries, handmade at home, and often packaged in colorful boxes as gifts. Modern pastry chefs have even reimagined them with gourmet fillings or artistic presentations, but the essence remains the same—two cookies united by a sweet bond.

Casadinhos with guava filling are more than just cookies—they are edible expressions of Brazil’s cultural history. Their combination of Portuguese heritage, native fruit, and symbolic meaning makes them a timeless treat. Whether served at a festive table or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, Casadinhos remind every Brazilian of the joy found in togetherness, tradition, and a touch of sweetness.

Casadinhos

Servings 12
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Ingredients
  

  • 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 150 g butter at room temperature
  • 100 g caster
  • 100 g guava paste
  • granulated sugar for finishing

Instructions
 

  • Mix the all-purpose flour and sugar, then add the butter. Mix the ingredients with your hands until combined. If you feel that your dough is too dry, add more butter. If it's still too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water.
  • Turn on the stove to 356ºF (180ºC) while we prepare the cookies.
  • Roll tiny little balls with your hand and place them in a baking pan, no need to grease. Since the casadinhos is like a " cookie sandwich" as little the balls are better. These are usually eaten with one bite. No need to grease the pan.
  • Bake it in a pre-heated oven for about 15-20 minutes. The bottom of the cookies should be golden. Once is done, let it cool for about 15 minutes.
  • While the cookies are cooling, prepare the filling. Put the guava paste on a plate and smash with a fork until you get a smooth paste, or, put the guava paste in the microwave for about 30-40s and then mix with a fork.
  • Now, assemble the cookies like a sandwich. Place with a teaspoon the guava paste in the bottom of half of the cookies, then sandwich with remaining cookies.
  • Dip the casadinhos in a bowl with granulated sugar. Shake the casadinhos in a strainer or shake with your hands to remove the excess of sugar.
  • Serve with tea or coffee.
Course: Dessert
Region: Latin America

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About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.