Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Welcome to a delightful journey of flavor and texture with Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies. This exquisite recipe combines the tangy sweetness of apricots with the creamy richness of cheese, resulting in a cookie that is both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will provide you with all the steps and tips you need to create these mouth-watering treats. Read on to discover the secrets to making perfect Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies that will impress your family and friends!

What Are Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies?

Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies are a unique blend of rich, creamy dough and sweet apricot filling. These cookies feature a tender, buttery base enhanced by the smooth texture of cream cheese, perfectly complemented by the bright and tangy flavor of apricot jam. They are often adorned with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and sometimes rolled in sliced almonds for added crunch and visual appeal. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients List for Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies

To create these delectable cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 and ½ cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 ounces (170g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

For Rolling & Filling:

• 6–7 Tablespoons (120-140g) apricot jam or preserves
• Optional: ¾ cup (95g) sliced almonds
• Optional: 3 Tablespoons (23g) confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Substitutions and Variations

While the original recipe is divine, here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat brick cream cheese for best results. Low-fat or fat-free cream cheese can be used, but the cookies might spread more and be less rich.
• Jam: Substitute apricot jam with any other favorite jam, jelly, or preserves. Peach or raspberry preserves work particularly well.
• Lemon Zest: Replace lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus note.
• Almond Extract: Skip the almond extract if preferred, or replace with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for added citrus flavor.
• Sliced Almonds: Instead of sliced almonds, use chopped almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts, or omit the nuts entirely.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to bake your Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies to perfection:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth and creamy.
   • Add the softened butter and beat until combined, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
   • Add the granulated sugar and beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
   • Beat in the egg, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract on high speed until fully combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl again if necessary.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until fully combined. The dough will be creamy, sticky, and soft.
4. Chill the Dough:
   • Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or up to 4 days. This step is crucial to ensure the dough is firm enough to handle.
5. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
6. Form the Cookies:
   • Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it into balls, about 1 tablespoon of dough each. If the dough becomes sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour or confectioners’ sugar.
   • Roll each dough ball in sliced almonds (if using) and place them 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
   • Create an indent in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Fill each indent with a heaping ½ teaspoon of apricot jam.
7. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake the cookies for 14-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. The jam might not look completely set, but it will firm up as the cookies cool.
8. Cool the Cookies:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional: Dust with Confectioners’ Sugar:
   • Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them with confectioners’ sugar. The sugar will likely melt into the jam centers but should remain visible on the cookie edges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Be careful not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, as this can result in tough cookies.
• Skipping the Chill Step: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the cookies' shape and preventing excessive spreading.
• Underfilling the Indents: Ensure you use enough jam in each indent to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry, hard cookies.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies

These cookies are best served fresh and at room temperature. They make a wonderful addition to any dessert platter or can be enjoyed as a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. For special occasions, pair them with a selection of other cookies and pastries to create an impressive spread.

Presentation Ideas for Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies

• Elegant Platter: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful serving platter, dusted with a light layer of confectioners’ sugar for a touch of elegance.
• Gift Boxes: Place the cookies in decorative gift boxes or tins lined with parchment paper, making a perfect homemade gift for friends and family.
• Themed Displays: For holidays or themed parties, consider using cookie cutters to shape the dough or decorating the cookies with colored sugar or edible glitter.

Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe Tips

• Ensure Ingredients are at Room Temperature: This helps in achieving a smooth, homogenous dough.
• Use Quality Jam: The flavor of the jam is central to these cookies, so choose a high-quality apricot jam or preserves.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then roll in almonds, make indents, and fill with jam before baking.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese? A: You can, but the texture of the cookies will be different. They might spread more and won’t be as rich as those made with full-fat cream cheese.

Q: What other jams can I use? A: Feel free to use any jam or preserves you like. Peach, raspberry, or even fig preserves would work wonderfully with this dough.

Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? A: Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly and, if needed, chill the shaped cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.

Q: Can I skip the almonds? A: Yes, rolling the cookies in almonds is optional. You can skip this step or substitute with other nuts if preferred.

Conclusion

Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sweet and tangy flavor of apricot jam. This recipe offers flexibility with substitutions and variations, making it easy to adapt to your preferences. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips provided, you can create these delicious cookies that are sure to impress. Happy baking!

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