Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies
Sweet apricot-filled cookies with creamy cheese and a hint of lemon, perfect for gatherings or as a delightful treat for those who enjoy fruity, buttery flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine margarine, granulated sugar, and cream cheese, mixing until well blended.
- Blend in eggs, lemon rind, and lemon juice.
- Add combined flour and baking powder; mix well.
- Chill the dough.
- Shape level measuring tablespoonfuls of dough into balls.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet; flatten slightly.
- Indent centers of the cookies and fill with apricot preserves.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Cool the cookies and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also experiment with different fruit preserves, such as raspberry or apricot, to suit your taste. If you're short on time, skip chilling the dough, but note that this may affect the final texture of the cookies. Always ensure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies make a delightful treat for afternoon tea or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside other holiday cookies or browse more American recipes for a complete dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies contains roughly 236 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value).
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 cheese for this recipe?
While cream cheese provides a unique texture and flavor, you can substitute it with mascarpone for a slightly sweeter and creamier cookie. However, avoid using stronger cheeses as they may alter the taste significantly.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Chilling the dough for a longer period can also help firm it up, making it easier to shape.
How do I make these cookies more visually appealing?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. You could also use colored sugar or edible glitter for a festive touch, especially during the holidays.
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).