Angel Pillows
Angel Pillows are delicate, sweet cookies filled with apricot preserves and toasted pecans or coconut, perfect for holiday gatherings or special treats for those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter flavor Crisco ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or coconut ⓘ
- 1 cup confectioners sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease cookie sheets with butter Crisco.
- Cream together 1/2 cup butter Crisco, softened cream cheese, and 1 tablespoon milk in a medium bowl at medium speed with a mixer until well blended.
- Beat in 1/4 cup brown sugar.
- Beat in 1/2 cup apricot preserves.
- Combine 1 1/4 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or coconut.
- Drop 2 level measuring tablespoons of dough onto the cookie sheet to form each cookie.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 14 minutes.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute.
- Remove cookies to a cooling rack.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter flavor Crisco with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have apricot preserves, peach or apricot jam works well as a substitute. Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their flavor. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing, and consider using a stand mixer for a fluffier texture. This recipe also adapts well to different nuts or fruits.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own or can be paired with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a festive presentation, dust with additional confectioners' sugar before serving. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. Consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a slice of Ernie'S Banana Bread for a varied dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Angel Pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes or microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they remain soft and chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angel Pillows contains roughly 142 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 9g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of jam instead of apricot preserves?
Yes, you can easily substitute apricot preserves with any fruit jam you prefer, such as peach, raspberry, or even blackberry pie filling. Just ensure the consistency is similar to apricot preserves for the best results in flavor and texture.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Angel Pillows gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Additionally, double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape. You can also lightly flour your hands and the measuring spoon when dropping the dough onto the cookie sheets to prevent sticking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).