Welcome, fellow bakers and cookie enthusiasts! Today, we’re stepping into the world of fruity delights with a recipe that’s sure to charm your taste buds and steal the show at any cookie exchange. These Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies combine the tangy zest of apricots with the creamy richness of cream cheese, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s both soft and bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to bring these little gems to life!
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1 1/2 cups, softened
- Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 cups
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz., softened
- Eggs: 2 large
- Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp
- Grated Lemon Rind: 1 1/2 tsp
- Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: 4 1/2 cups
- Baking Powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Apricot Preserves: 1 cup
- Confectioners’ Sugar: 1/2 cup (for dusting)
Directions
- Prep the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cream cheese using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Flavors: Incorporate the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon rind into the creamed mixture.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until the dough is evenly combined without any clumps.
- Chill: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
- Shape and Fill: Once chilled, shape the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on greased cookie sheets. Press a thumbprint into each ball and spoon a small amount of apricot preserves into the center.
- Bake: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Be sure to rotate the pans halfway through for even baking.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with a light sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar for a sweet finish.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 122 kcal per cookie
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 54 cookies
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use another type of fruit preserve? A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute apricot preserves with raspberry, strawberry, or even a citrus marmalade for a different twist.
Q: How long can I store these cookies? A: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? A: Yes, the cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.
Q: Is there a dairy-free alternative for cream cheese? A: You can use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute available at most health food stores. The texture and flavor should remain comparable, although slight variations can occur.
Bake up a batch of these delightful Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and tart with every bite!