1-Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients Start by taking a medium bowl and whisking together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This helps spread the leavening evenly through the dough. A quick whisk also breaks up any small lumps in the flour. If you are baking with kids or helping a new baker, this is a simple first step that builds confidence.

2-Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough and gives the cookies a softer texture. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer if you have one, or mix by hand with a sturdy spoon if needed. Take your time here, since the texture of the butter mixture affects the final cookie.

3-Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully mixed. The egg helps hold the dough together, while the vanilla adds warmth and depth. Mix just until the ingredients blend. If you are watching ingredients closely, this recipe stays simple and does not need any extra add-ins to taste good.

4-Step 4: Bring the dough together Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined. Stop as soon as the flour disappears into the dough. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so keep the mixing short and gentle. The dough should feel soft but not sticky. If it seems too loose, the chilling step will help it firm up.

5-Step 5: Chill the dough Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This step is important for Easy Guava Lava Cookies because chilled dough is easier to shape and less likely to spread too much in the oven. It also helps the cookies keep the guava filling sealed inside. If you are making these after work or in between errands, the chill time makes the recipe easier to fit into a busy day.

6-Step 6: Prepare the guava paste While the dough chills, cut 1 cup guava paste into small cubes. Smaller pieces are better because they fit neatly inside each cookie and reduce leaking during baking. If the guava paste feels sticky, use a lightly greased knife or chill the paste a bit before cutting. This is one of the best tips for keeping the lava center neat.

7-Step 7: Heat the oven and set up the pan Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies release easily and cleanup stays simple. Parchment also helps the bottoms bake evenly. This is a good time to set out your scooper, a plate for the dough balls, and a cooling rack for later.

8-Step 8: Fill and shape each cookie Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place one guava piece in the center, then wrap the dough around it and roll it into a ball to seal. Make sure the fruit is fully covered so the filling stays inside while baking. Place each ball on the lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. If the dough gets too soft, put it back in the fridge for a few minutes before shaping the rest.

9-Step 9: Bake until lightly golden Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops may still look soft when they come out, and that is fine. These cookies finish setting as they cool. Avoid baking too long or the filling can become too thick and the cookie may lose its soft bite.

10-Step 10: Cool and serve Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. This short rest helps the centers settle and keeps the cookies from breaking apart. Serve them plain or dust them with powdered sugar for a neat finish. They pair well with tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk.