Top 11 South American Sweet Pastries

Picarones are a staple of Peruvian street food, the tasty, deep-fried treats that are also often referred to as the "Peruvian doughnuts". The dough is shaped into a ring and fried in hot oil, and picarones are then drizzled with a sweet cane syrup. It is believed that they were first prepared during the Spanish Viceroyalty in Lima and they were probably based on the Spanish buñuelos. The recipe was adapted by the locals who added sweet potatoes and squash to the dough, and a new dish was created. Picarones were later popularized by the nuns of Saint Claire's convent, and today they are especially popular during the religious festivities in October.Expand

These soft crescent rolls are regarded as the Argentinian take on traditional French croissants. Even though they are very similar to the French variety, medialunas are slightly more moist, smaller, and a bit sweeter. There are two traditional types of medialunas; the larger version made with butter, and the smaller version made with lard. Both varieties are usually prepared plain, with a rum-and-sugar glaze on top. They are traditionally eaten for breakfast, ideally accompanied by a cup of strong coffee with milk, or as an afternoon snack served with yerba mate, a traditional Argentinian herbal tea. Argentinians prefer to eat them with sweet condiments, jellies, dulce de leche, or chocolate spreads. Even though they are easily prepared at home, medialunas can also be bought in panaderias–traditional bakeries found throughout Argentina.Expand

These crispy Argentinian pastries are typically star-shaped, while the center is filled with quince or sweet potato preserve (dulce). They are usually deep-fried and then brushed with a sugar glaze. Optionally, they can be filled with dulce de leche and topped with colorful sprinkles. Pastelitos are traditionally enjoyed on May 25, a day commemorating the May Revolution and the establishment of the first independent Argentinian government.Expand

Golfeados is the Venezuelan take on famous cinnamon rolls. This cheesy, sticky pastry typically consists of milk, yeast, sugar, flour, eggs, butter, and grated cheese. It is flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, and star anise. Halfway through the baking, golfeados are glazed with melado – a simple syrup based on panela. As a result, these pastries are slightly crunchy on the exterior, while the interior remains soft, cheesy, and buttery. It is recommended to serve golfeados with a cup of robust coffee.Expand

Bolinhos de chuva are traditional Portuguese and Brazilian sweet fritters. These easy-to-make pastries call for dough made of eggs, wheat flour, sugar, milk, baking powder, and salt, shaped into small balls and fried in vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside. When done, bolinhos de chuva are dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. The legend says that the name (which roughly translates to "rain cakes") originates from the times when the whole family used to gather in the kitchen during rain storms and prepare these delicious treats. To this day, bolinhos de chuva remain a beloved snack or dessert (especially among children), tasty on their own but also often dipped in dulce de leche or chocolate ganache.Expand

Bolas de fraile is the Argentine and Uruguayan version of a doughnut. It is made without a hole in the center, and the doughnut is usually filled with dulce de leche, then dusted with powdered sugar. It is believed that bolas de fraile is derived from a popular Germany pastry called Berliner Pfannkuchen. The name of these tasty doughnuts means balls of weakness, and it is said that the name was invented by anti-clergy anarchists who wanted to oppose a harsh regime that was imposed by the Catholic church.Expand

Conejitos or conejos are popular Chilean sweet treats consisting of pastry dough made with sugar, flour, milk, eggs, leavening agents, and butter, which is then filled with crema pastelera, a type of pastry cream made with milk, sugar, egg yolks, corn starch, and vanilla. The pastry is typically dusted with powdered sugar before consumption. When translated, the name conejitos means rabbits.Expand

Although empanadas are traditionally associated with savory fillings, in the case of empanada de manzana the filling is a sweet combination of cinnamon-spiced apples. Sliced, preferably tart apples are wrapped inside the buttery dough, shaped in small crescent forms and baked until golden and crispy. Whether they are served as a dessert, a filling sweet breakfast, or a light afternoon snack, empanadas de manzana are a signature treat of the Chiloé Island and can occasionally be found in traditional Mexican cuisine.Expand

Pastel de Gloria is a Colombian dessert consisting of puff pastry that is traditionally filled with guava paste, dulce de leche, and (most often than not) cheese. These tiny treats are baked until golden brown and puffy. Before serving, warm pasteles de gloria are typically sprinkled with sugar.Expand

Guargüeros are Peruvian fried pastries that are traditionally filled with dulce de leche. The dough consists of flour, salt, egg yolks, and Pisco – Peruvian national beverage. When prepared, the dough is twisted so it looks very similar to the Italian cannoli. After they have been fried and filled with manjar blanco (reduced sugared milk), guargüeros are usually sprinkled with powdered sugar. The tradition of making these sweet treats came from the south with the arrival of cow’s milk, so people used leftover egg yolks from the winemaking process.Expand