Kiffels
Kiffels are buttery, sweet cookies filled with fruit or nut preserves, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Let the butter and cream cheese sit out until room temperature.
- Cream together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the flour to the creamed mixture and combine well.
- Form the mixture into one large ball.
- Pinch off small portions to form about 50 small balls.
- Refrigerate the balls overnight before baking or filling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using salted butter instead of unsalted. If you don't have cream cheese, mascarpone can be a good substitute. To make the dough easier to handle, let it chill for a bit after mixing. Experiment with various fillings like apricot or poppy seed for a twist. Remember to use a light hand when forming the balls to keep them tender.
Serving Suggestions
Kiffels make a delightful dessert or snack, best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Sugarless Christmas Pie for a festive spread. Dusting them with additional confectioners sugar before serving adds a lovely touch. Consider serving them alongside a fruit compote or whipped cream for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover kiffels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kiffels contains roughly 137 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 2g 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After forming the balls, refrigerate them overnight, or freeze them for longer storage. Just ensure to thaw them in the refrigerator before baking to maintain their texture.
What fillings work best for kiffels?
Kiffels can be filled with a variety of options. Popular choices include apricot, nut, prune, or poppy seed fillings. Feel free to get creative and try other fillings such as chocolate or almond paste for a unique twist.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the kiffels?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of confectioners sugar used in the dough or opt for a less sweet filling. Keep in mind that the sweetness of the filling will also impact the overall flavor.
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).