Authentic Queijadas de Sintra Recipe: Traditional Portuguese Cheese Tarts

Queijadas de Sintra are small Portuguese tarts made with fresh cheese, eggs, sugar, and flour. Originating from the charming town of Sintra, near Lisbon, these sweet treats are beloved for their slightly tangy taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect as a dessert or a companion to a cup of coffee, Queijadas de Sintra are a delightful indulgence with deep roots in Portuguese culinary history.

In this article, discover the origins of these iconic tarts, the necessary ingredients, detailed preparation steps, and tips to make them perfectly at home.

Queijadas de Sintra are named after their birthplace, Sintra, a picturesque town famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. These tarts date back to the Middle Ages, when fresh cheese and other dairy products were staple ingredients in Portuguese cuisine.

Initially, they were made on local farms to make use of excess milk and cheese. Over time, the Queijadas became a coveted dessert, often served during festive occasions and religious celebrations.

Today, they are an integral part of Sintra’s culinary identity and are frequently enjoyed by visitors exploring this beautiful region.

To make about 12 tarts, you will need:

For the pastry:
200 g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
50 g (3 1/2 tbsp) butter (softened)
A pinch of salt
4 to 5 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:
300 g (10.5 oz) fresh cheese (ricotta or requeijão work well)
250 g (1 1/4 cups) sugar
4 egg yolks
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra aroma)

Step-by-Step Preparation of Queijadas de Sintra :

1. Prepare the pastry :
   In a large bowl, mix the flour, butter, and a pinch of salt. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
   Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and knead until a smooth, non-sticky dough forms.
   Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. Make the filling :
   In a separate bowl, mash the fresh cheese with a fork until smooth.
   Add the sugar and mix until well combined.
   Stir in the egg yolks one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
   Add the flour and lemon zest (if using), and mix until the filling is creamy and homogeneous.

3. Shape the tarts :
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thin layer (about 1/16 inch or 2 mm thick).
   Use a round cutter or glass to cut circles of dough slightly larger than your tart molds.
   Gently press the dough circles into the molds, ensuring they fit snugly along the edges.

4. Fill and bake :
   Fill each tart shell with the cheese mixture, leaving just a small gap at the top.
   Place the molds on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.
   Remove from the oven and let the tarts cool before carefully removing them from the molds.

Tips for Perfect Queijadas de Sintra :

Choose high-quality fresh cheese: The flavor and texture of your tarts depend heavily on the cheese, so opt for a good-quality fresh cheese. Ricotta or Portuguese requeijão are ideal options.

Work the dough quickly: Handle the pastry as little as possible to ensure it stays light and crisp after baking.

Enhance the flavors: For a twist, add a dash of vanilla extract or swap the lemon zest for orange zest.

Allow the tarts to cool: While these tarts can be enjoyed warm, they taste best at room temperature or slightly chilled, allowing the flavors to meld.

Pair with coffee: Serve the Queijadas de Sintra with an espresso or black coffee for the ultimate Portuguese treat.

Queijadas de Sintra are more than just a dessert—they are a symbol of Portugal’s rich culinary traditions. With their delicate sweetness, subtle tanginess, and creamy texture, these little tarts are a true delight.

By following this traditional recipe, you can bring the charm of Sintra to your home and enjoy a taste of Portugal’s heritage. Whether served as a dessert or a mid-afternoon treat, Queijadas de Sintra are sure to impress your family and friends. Try this recipe and savor a bit of Portugal’s sweetness today!