Cream Cheese Pastry Cookies
Cream Cheese Pastry Cookies are buttery, creamy treats with a hint of sweetness from preserves, perfect for elegant gatherings or tea time indulgence, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the softened cream cheese and margarine until smooth.
- Mix in the flour and a pinch of salt until a dough ball forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator before rolling out and cutting into shapes.
- Fill with preserves, then bake until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your cream cheese and margarine are properly softened to allow for easy creaming. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. You can also experiment with different preserves, such as raspberry or apricot, to switch up the flavor profile of these cookies. To prevent sticking, lightly flour your work surface when rolling out the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These cream cheese pastry cookies are delightful on their own, but you can serve them with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with Blueberry Whipped Cream Delight for a dessert platter. Consider serving them alongside tea or coffee for a charming afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Pastry Cookies contains roughly 688 calories, with 15g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 546mg per serving (24% 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 instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese provides a specific texture and flavor, you could experiment with mascarpone for a richer taste or ricotta for a lighter option. However, results may vary in texture and richness, so adjustments to the recipe may be necessary.
How can I make these cookies more festive for a holiday?
To add a festive touch, consider incorporating seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. You can also use colorful preserves and decorate the cookies with icing or sprinkles after baking for a cheerful presentation.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the cookies tough.
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).