Kifli - The Easy Way
Kifli are flaky, sweet pastries filled with jam, perfect for a quick treat or dessert. Their tender, buttery texture and fruity filling appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the cream cheese with the butter until smooth.
- Add the flour and mix well, then chill the dough for 2 hours.
- Roll out 1/4 of the chilled dough on a surface sprinkled with powdered sugar to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 1 1/2-inch squares.
- Place a small amount of jam (such as apricot) on each square.
- Overlap opposite corners of the dough square and pinch to seal.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier texture, ensure your butter is well-chilled before mixing it with the cream cheese. If you prefer a sweeter filling, consider using a fruit preserve like raspberry or a nut-based spread instead of jam. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of vanilla extract to the dough for added flavor, similar to what's found in Ladybug Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kifli warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. For a brunch spread, consider serving them alongside French Raspberry Pie or even as a sweet complement to savory dishes like Potato Asparagus Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Kifli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through, retaining their crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kifli - The Easy Way contains roughly 1397 calories, with 23g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% 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?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that ricotta may yield a slightly different texture, so adjust the flour if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
What types of jam work best for filling Kifli?
While apricot is a classic choice, you can use any jam or preserve you prefer, such as cherry, strawberry, or even a citrus marmalade. Just ensure the jam has a thick consistency to prevent sogginess in the dough.
Can I freeze Kifli for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze Kifli before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap the unbaked Kifli individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. If baked, ensure they are cooled completely before wrapping and freezing.
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).