Cheese Pockets
Cheese pockets are delightful, flaky pastries filled with sweet jam, perfect for brunch or tea time, offering a balance of creamy cheese and fruity sweetness that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together thoroughly cream cheese, butter, and flour.
- Form the mixture into a ball and refrigerate overnight.
- Leave at room temperature for about 1 hour before proceeding.
- Roll out the dough thinly on a lightly floured board.
- Cut into about 3-inch rounds.
- Place 1 teaspoon of jam or jelly in the center of each round.
- Fold over the dough to enclose the filling and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
- Bake on a cookie sheet at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a dash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made pie dough instead of making your own. Experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate hazelnut spread or fruit preserves, to customize your cheese pockets. These treats are similar to Cinnamon Filled Cookies for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheese pockets warm, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. They pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving alongside Linda Salad for a refreshing contrast. These pastries also make a great addition to a dessert table at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain their flaky texture and delicious filling. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Pockets contains roughly 835 calories, with 16g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value) and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling it out and filling it. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before you work with it, as this will make it easier to roll out.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you need a substitute for cream cheese, consider using mascarpone cheese for a similar texture, or a vegan cream cheese alternative if you're looking for a dairy-free option. Ricotta can also work, though it may result in a slightly different flavor and texture.
Can I freeze these cheese pockets?
Absolutely! You can freeze the filled, unbaked cheese pockets on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time while they are still frozen.
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).