Cream Cheese Pinches
Cream Cheese Pinches are soft, flaky pastries filled with sweet cream cheese, perfect for breakfast or dessert, appealing to those who love rich, creamy treats with a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 package RapidRise yeast ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 eggs
- melted butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth; add the beaten egg, 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring well.
- Set the cream cheese mixture aside.
- Combine water and shortening in a saucepan; heat until very warm (120° to 130°).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, rapid-rise yeast, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt.
- Add the warm water and shortening mixture to the dry ingredients; mix until well blended.
- Add eggs and remaining flour gradually, kneading until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into squares or circles, then place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of each.
- Fold or shape the dough around the filling to form pinches or pockets, sealing the edges.
- Place pinches on a greased baking sheet, brush with melted butter or margarine.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Mix sifted powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm pinches before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer filling, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. If you're short on time, store-bought cream cheese can be used instead of making your own filling. To enhance the flavor, try using flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut instead of vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
These cream cheese pinches are delightful served warm as a snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a fruit compote or a scoop of ice cream. They also make a great addition to brunch alongside dishes like Basic Waldorf Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pinches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they are heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Pinches contains roughly 1231 calories, with 13g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 766mg per serving (33% 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 the filling?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the alternative cheese has a similar consistency to maintain the texture of the filling.
How do I know when the pinches are done baking?
The pinches are done when they turn a golden brown color on top and the dough feels firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into one; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
Can I freeze the pinches?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pinches. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time without thawing.
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).