Curruquines, those delightful Colombian pastries that make taste buds dance with joy, have been captivating food lovers for generations. These crispy, golden-brown treats filled with sweet guava paste and cheese represent the perfect marriage of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.
While many South American countries boast their own signature pastries, curruquines stand out for their unique preparation method and irresistible combination of ingredients. They’re not just another dessert – they’re a cherished part of Colombian culture that’s found its way into homes and bakeries across the globe. From street vendors in Bogotá to upscale cafes in Miami, these humble pastries continue to win hearts one flaky bite at a time.
Curruquines
Curruquines originate from Catalonia, Spain, specifically from the region of Baix Llobregat, contradicting the previous Colombian context. These traditional Catalan sweets feature a distinctive oval shape with a crispy exterior and a soft, almond-based interior.
The pastry’s main ingredients include:
Ground almonds as the primary base
Local honey for natural sweetness
Egg whites for structure
Lemon zest for citrus notes
Powdered sugar for coating
Local bakeries in Sant Vicenç dels Horts, a town near Barcelona, produce these treats following centuries-old recipes dating back to the 1800s. Master bakers create curruquines through a meticulous process:
Mixing ground almonds with honey
Folding in whipped egg whites
Adding fresh lemon zest
Shaping into oval forms
Baking at low temperatures
Dusting with powdered sugar
Traditional consumption patterns include:
Morning coffee accompaniment
Holiday celebrations (Christmas, Easter)
Family gatherings
Local festivals
Authentic curruquines measure:
Characteristic
Measurement
Length
5-6 cm
Width
3-4 cm
Weight
30-35g
Baking temp
150°C
Modern variations maintain the traditional almond base while incorporating regional ingredients like orange blossom water or cinnamon. These treats remain a protected cultural product under Catalan culinary heritage, ensuring their authentic preparation methods persist through generations.
History and Origins of Curruquines
Curruquines trace their origins to medieval Spain with documented references dating back to the 14th century. These traditional pastries emerged from the rich culinary heritage of Catalan bakers who specialized in almond-based confections.
Early Development in Spanish Pastry Making
Arabic influences shaped the evolution of curruquines during the Moorish occupation of Spain from 711 to 1492 CE. Skilled pastry makers in monasteries across Catalonia refined the recipe by incorporating local almonds from Tarragona province with Mediterranean honey. Records from 1387 show that bakers in Sant Vicenç dels Horts created the distinctive oval shape to differentiate their products from other regional pastries. The original recipe called for specific ratios: 3 parts ground almonds 1 part honey 2 egg whites per dozen pastries.
Cultural Significance in Catalonia
Curruquines gained prominence in Catalan society during the 18th century as symbols of prosperity celebration. Local families passed down handwritten recipes through generations preserving unique variations from each village. The pastries became essential components of traditional festivities including the Festa Major de Sant Vicenç Christmas gatherings Epiphany celebrations. Official recognition came in 1985 when the Generalitat de Catalunya designated curruquines as protected cultural heritage items. Annual production in the Baix Llobregat region reaches 50000 units with 75% consumed during holiday seasons.
Key Ingredients and Preparation Method
Authentic curruquines require specific ingredients and precise preparation techniques to achieve their characteristic texture and flavor profile. The following components and methods create the distinctive oval-shaped pastries enjoyed throughout Catalonia and Colombia.
Essential Components
Blanched almonds (500g): Ground to a fine powder for the base
Pure honey (200g): Local Mediterranean varieties preferred
Egg whites (4 large): Room temperature for optimal whipping
Powdered sugar (150g): For coating and interior sweetness
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Fresh from unwaxed lemons
Natural vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): For enhanced flavor depth
Rice flour (50g): Creates the signature crispy exterior
Sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness
Colombian variations include:
Fresh cheese (250g): Soft white variety
Guava paste (200g): Dense concentrated paste
Wheat flour (300g): For the outer pastry shell
Butter (150g): Unsalted European-style
Traditional Baking Techniques
The preparation starts with grinding blanched almonds into a fine powder using a specialized mill. Bakers fold whipped egg whites into the almond mixture at 45° angles to maintain airiness. The dough rests for 8 hours at 4°C (39°F).
Key techniques include:
Rolling dough to 3mm thickness
Shaping into 10cm ovals
Baking at 160°C (320°F) for 22 minutes
Double coating with powdered sugar at 5-minute intervals
Cooling on wire racks for 30 minutes
Laminating dough through 6 folds
Creating 12cm diameter circles
Filling with 30g cheese-guava mixture
Baking at 180°C (356°F) for 18 minutes
Modern Variations and Adaptations
Modern curruquines embrace innovation while preserving traditional elements. Artisanal bakeries adapt these pastries to contemporary tastes through creative ingredients and presentation methods.
Popular Flavor Combinations
Contemporary bakers incorporate unique flavor profiles into curruquines. Dark chocolate ganache fillings pair with sea salt for a sophisticated twist. Pastry chefs add matcha green tea powder to almond bases creating vibrant variations. Premium ingredients like pistachio paste orange blossom water lavender essence enhance traditional recipes. Colombian variations feature tropical fruits including passion fruit mango guava combinations. Fusion flavors blend local ingredients with international elements such as:
Dulce de leche with toasted coconut
White chocolate with cardamom
Fig jam with aged manchego cheese
Hazelnut praline with coffee cream
Caramelized pear with vanilla bean
Contemporary Serving Styles
Deconstructed elements on slate plates
Individual portions in recyclable boxes
Stacked towers for special events
Paired with specialty coffee drinks
Arranged on geometric dessert platters
Serving Style
Popularity %
Average Price (USD)
Traditional
45%
$3.50
Modern Plated
30%
$8.75
Gift Boxes
15%
$24.99
Mini Portions
10%
$2.25
Where to Find Authentic Curruquines
Traditional Catalan curruquines thrive in specialized bakeries throughout the Baix Llobregat region. Sant Vicenç dels Horts houses 5 certified artisanal bakeries producing authentic curruquines, including Forn de Pa Ribas established in 1892.
Colombian variations appear in these notable locations:
Bogotá’s La Candelaria district features 8 family-owned pastry shops
Medellín’s El Poblado neighborhood hosts 3 renowned curruquine specialists
Miami’s Little Havana district includes 4 Colombian bakeries offering traditional recipes
Here’s a breakdown of authentic curruquine locations by region:
Region
Number of Certified Bakeries
Average Price (USD)
Baix Llobregat, Spain
12
$3.50
Bogotá, Colombia
15
$1.75
Miami, USA
6
$4.25
Popular markets selling curruquines include:
La Boqueria Market in Barcelona displays Catalan varieties
Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao in Bogotá offers Colombian styles
Online platforms connect customers to authentic curruquines:
Specialist food websites ship worldwide from Spain
Colombian food marketplaces deliver nationwide
Local delivery apps partner with certified bakeries
December through January for holiday celebrations
Easter week festivities
Local summer festivals in Catalonia
Colombian independence day celebrations
The Traditional Catalan Sweet
Curruquines stand as a testament to the rich culinary heritage spanning two distinct cultures. Whether enjoying the almond-based delicacies of Catalonia or savoring the cheese-filled treats of Colombia these pastries continue to captivate food lovers worldwide.
The preservation of traditional recipes alongside modern interpretations ensures that curruquines remain relevant for future generations. Their protected status in Catalonia and growing popularity in international markets prove that these beloved pastries have successfully bridged the gap between time-honored traditions and contemporary tastes.
As artisanal bakeries continue to innovate while respecting traditional methods curruquines will undoubtedly maintain their special place in both everyday moments and celebratory occasions.
