The Best Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies Recipe Ever

Delightful apricot cream cheese thumbprint cookies blend tangy sweetness with rich, creamy texture in every bite.

Soft, buttery dough cradles a bright golden center that sparkles like miniature sunsets.

Crumbly edges and delicate centers promise a memorable treat that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Baking these cookies fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma of vanilla and fruity warmth.

Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, these little gems invite playful indulgence.

Homemade magic awaits you in this simple yet elegant recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into extraordinary moments.

Gather your ingredients and let the baking adventure begin!

FAQs

• What are thumbprint cookies?

Thumbprint cookies are soft, buttery cookies with a small indentation in the center, typically filled with jam or preserves.

• Can I use a different type of jam?

Yes, you can substitute apricot preserves with other fruit preserves like raspberry, strawberry, or fig jam for variety.

• How do I prevent the cookies from cracking?

Make sure the dough is at the right temperature and don’t overwork it. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping if it feels too soft.

• Are these cookies good for holiday baking?

Absolutely! These thumbprint cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and gift-giving because they look elegant and taste delicious.

Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies That Delight

• Whip Up Comfort Treats: These cookies bring pure joy with their soft, buttery texture and sweet apricot center, perfect for satisfying sudden dessert cravings.
• Craft with Ease: Requiring basic baking skills and minimal ingredients, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced bakers to create delightful homemade cookies.
• Share Delectable Moments: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, these thumbprint cookies spark conversation and create warm, shared experiences around the table.
• Personalize Your Sweets: Simple to customize with different preserves or jam flavors, these cookies let bakers express creativity while maintaining a classic, crowd-pleasing design.

Key Ingredients for Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

• Butter: A creamy base that provides richness and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy flavor and helps keep the cookies moist and tender.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie's golden brown color.

• Egg Yolk: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies with its warm, sweet aroma.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and base for the cookie dough.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Apricot Preserves: A sweet and fruity filling that adds a burst of flavor to the center of each thumbprint cookie.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Whip the Base Mixture

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese
• Sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light and airy with a fluffy texture.

Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers

Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract, stirring until completely incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly fold in flour and salt, gently combining until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small one-inch balls, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Make Cookie Indentations

Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a gentle well in the center of each cookie dough ball.

Step 7: Fill with Sweet Preserve

Carefully spoon apricot preserves into the center of each cookie indentation.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Thumbprint Cookies Every Time

• Opt for high-quality, thick apricot preserves to prevent spreading during baking and maintain a concentrated fruit flavor.
• Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent cookies from spreading and maintain their thumbprint shape.
• Create a shallow, even well in each cookie using the back of a rounded measuring spoon for consistent results.
• Let butter and cream cheese soften at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing and a tender cookie texture.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the same delicate crumb and flavor.

Flavorful Variations for Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

• Gluten-Free Apricot Thumbprints: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cookie's soft texture.
• Vegan Fruit Thumbprints: Substitute butter with coconut oil, cream cheese with cashew cream, and egg yolk with flax egg to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Berry Option: Swap apricot preserves with raspberry or strawberry jam and use monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar for a diabetic-friendly cookie.
• Nutty Cream Cheese Cookies: Add chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough for extra crunch and sprinkle finely crushed nuts on top after baking for enhanced flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions for Apricot Thumbprint Cookies

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these delightful cookies with a steaming cup of chamomile tea or light cappuccino for a perfect morning treat.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative plate alongside fresh apricot slices and a dollop of whipped cream for an eye-catching presentation.
• Party Snack Delight: Stack cookies on a tiered serving stand during afternoon gatherings, creating a charming centerpiece that guests will adore and enjoy munching.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Pack cooled cookies in a cute mason jar or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a homemade, heartwarming edible gift that shows personal care.

Storage Advice to Keep Thumbprint Cookies Fresh

• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled to maintain freshness and prevent preserves from spoiling.
• Carefully place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
• Warm cookies briefly in a 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft texture and slightly crisp edges. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy results.

Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Classic apricot cream cheese thumbprint cookies bring sweet-tangy charm to holiday baking traditions. Rich cream cheese dough cradles golden apricot preserves, offering delightful texture and subtle European-inspired elegance you will savor with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Filling and Flavoring:

• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) with a rack in the center position.
2. Combine softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar in a mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture becomes airy and smooth with a pale, creamy texture.
3. Incorporate egg yolk and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until the ingredients are fully integrated.
4. Gently fold in flour and salt, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
5. Shape the dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, positioning them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Create a gentle indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the curved back of a spoon, ensuring a small well for preserves.
7. Carefully spoon apricot preserves into the center of each cookie depression, filling without overflowing.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as a sign of doneness.
9. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
10. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and firm up completely before serving.

Notes

• Make sure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing that prevents lumpy dough.
• Use a light touch when creating thumbprints to avoid cracking the delicate cookie base, gently pressing with your thumb or the back of a small spoon.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry, strawberry, or peach for flavor variety while maintaining the classic thumbprint cookie texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 182
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg