Lekvar (Prune Butter) Cookies
Lekvar cookies are delightful treats featuring rich prune butter filling encased in tender pastry, perfect for teatime or holiday gatherings, offering a sweet, fruity, and buttery flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Allow butter and cream cheese to warm and then mix together.
- Add flour and mix until the dough resembles pie crust.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough until thinner than pie crust.
- Cut into strips about 1 1/2 x 3 inches.
- Add filling to the center of each strip and pinch the ends together to seal.
- Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 15 minutes at 400°F.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing. If you don’t have Lekvar, you can substitute with apricot or apple butter. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Chill the dough longer if it feels too soft to handle. Always keep the dough well-floured when rolling it out to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
These Lekvar cookies are delightful on their own, but you can serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Finnish Coffee Bread ('Nisu'), making for a lovely afternoon snack. For a more festive touch, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving for added sweetness and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them; just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lekvar (Prune Butter) Cookies contains roughly 1072 calories, with 14g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 526mg per serving (23% 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 filling instead of Lekvar?
Yes, you can use any fruit butter or jam of your choice, such as apricot or raspberry. Just ensure the filling is thick enough to stay in the dough without leaking during baking.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Remember to keep your work surface well-floured while rolling out the dough to prevent it from sticking.
Can these cookies be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for holiday baking or gatherings.
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).