How to Make Travesseiros: A Portuguese Pillow of Sweet Delight

Have you ever bitten into a pastry so light and airy, it feels like a cloud melting in your mouth? That’s the magic of Travesseiros, a beloved Portuguese treat originating from the charming town of Sintra. These “pillows” of pastry, filled with a heavenly almond cream, are a testament to Portugal’s rich culinary heritage.

While the name might sound intimidating, I promise you, making Travesseiros at home is easier than you think! With my step-by-step guide, you’ll be pulling these golden-brown pillows of joy out of your oven, ready to impress your family and friends. Let’s get baking!

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these Portuguese delights:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs

For the Almond Cream Filling:

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (100 g) ground almonds
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water

Equip Your Kitchen

Before we embark on this delicious adventure, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Large mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Let’s Bake Travesseiros!

I. Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In the warm milk, sprinkle yeast and sugar. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Form the Dough: Add the softened butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead for 8-10 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. If the dough seems dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

II. Craft the Almond Cream Filling:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine sugar, ground almonds, egg yolks, water, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using).
2. Cook over Low Heat: Stir constantly over low heat until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Cool the Filling: Transfer the almond cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool completely.

III. Assemble and Bake the Travesseiros:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
3. Cut the Dough: Using a sharp knife, cut each rectangle lengthwise into 3-inch wide strips.
4. Fill the Travesseiros: Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cooled almond cream onto the center of each dough strip. Fold the dough over the filling to form a “pillow” shape and pinch the edges to seal.

Travesseiros dough

5. Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg yolk and water. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the Travesseiros.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Travesseiros are golden brown and puffed.

Baked Travesseiros

7. Cool and Enjoy: Let the Travesseiros cool slightly on the baking sheets before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, when the almond cream is still gooey and delicious.

Tips for Travesseiro Triumph:

• Almond Flour Substitute: If you don’t have ground almonds, you can use almond flour as a substitute. However, keep in mind that almond flour may result in a slightly denser filling.
• Don’t Overcook the Filling: The almond cream filling will thicken considerably as it cools, so make sure not to overcook it on the stovetop. It should coat the back of a spoon but still be slightly runny.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: For extra crispy Travesseiros, you can sprinkle a little bit of cornstarch on the dough strips before adding the almond cream filling.
• Freezing for Later: These sweet treats freeze beautifully! Simply let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs About Making Travesseiros:

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, and then proceed with the recipe the next day.

Q: What can I serve with Travesseiros?
A: These pastries are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dollop of whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for an extra special treat!

Q: My Travesseiros turned out a bit dry. What happened?
A: Overbaking can sometimes lead to dry pastries. Make sure to check for doneness after 20 minutes and adjust baking time accordingly. Additionally, ensuring the almond cream filling is cooked to the right consistency will help keep the Travesseiros moist and delicious.

A Taste of Portugal in Your Kitchen

There you have it – your guide to mastering the art of Travesseiros. These little pillows of delight are not just a treat for the taste buds but a heartwarming experience that transports you straight to the charming streets of Sintra. So, go ahead and create your own Portuguese pastry haven right in your kitchen!

Enjoying Travesseiros

We’d love to hear about your Travesseiro adventure! Share your baking triumphs (and any creative twists you come up with) in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out our other delectable recipes for more culinary inspiration!