Name: Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489973H22M34S
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 6 ounces (170g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 6-7 Tablespoons (120-140g) apricot jam or preserves; optional: 3/4 cup (95g) sliced almonds; optional: 3 Tablespoons (23g) confectioners’ sugar for dusting

If you have a sweet tooth that loves the perfect harmony of tangy fruit and rich creaminess, you are going to adore this Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. These delightful little treats combine buttery, tender cookie dough with a luscious burst of apricot jam right in the center, all mellowed by the smooth presence of cream cheese. The gentle almond and lemon undertones elevate each bite, making them irresistibly flavorful and beautifully textured. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a scrumptious snack, these cookies bring joy and elegance with every mouthful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a thick, creamy light brown dough clinging to a metal mixing paddle, rising above a glass bowl filled with the same dough. The dough has a soft and rough texture with small clumps, showing it is well mixed but not smooth. The glass bowl below shows more of the dough inside, sitting on a white marbled surface that is out of focus in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a key role in delivering the unforgettable taste, texture, and appearance of this Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe. From cream cheese’s silky richness to the apricot preserves’ fruity brightness, every component shines.

2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and lightly tender base for the cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that soft, pillowy texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
6 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened: Adds incredible creaminess and moisture that sets these cookies apart.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings rich buttery flavor and tender crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds a little richness.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds a fresh citrus sparkle that brightens the cookie.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses warm sweetness and rounds out flavors.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Gives a subtle, nutty aroma that complements the apricot wonderfully.
6-7 tablespoons apricot jam or preserves: The star ingredient that adds sticky, fruity goodness right in the thumbprint center.
Optional: 3/4 cup sliced almonds: For a delightful nutty crunch coating the dough balls.
Optional: 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar: Perfect for dusting to add a pretty, snowy finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed so your cookies will bake uniformly delicious.

Step 2: Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. Then add the softened butter and continue beating until fully combined. This creamy base is what makes these cookies uniquely soft and luscious.

Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Flavorings

Mix in the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is light and smooth, usually around 2 minutes. Next, add the egg, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating on high speed until everything is beautifully blended. Scrape down the sides as needed — the batter should be silky and cohesive.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Chill

Gently add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Your dough will be creamy, sticky, and soft. Cover it tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or up to 4 days. This rest time is crucial as it firms the dough and deepens the flavors.

Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll the chilled dough into 1-tablespoon balls, coating each optionally in sliced almonds for an extra crunch. Space them 3 inches apart on your baking sheets. Press your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon gently into the center of each ball to create a well, then fill with a heaping 1/2 teaspoon of apricot jam. For best results, chill the shaped cookies for 10 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.

Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake the cookies for 14 to 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. The apricot jam in the center will remain glossy at first but will set as the cookies cool.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with confectioners’ sugar for a delicate, sweet finish that complements the jam and cookie edges wonderfully.

How to Serve Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar gives these cookies a tender snowy touch that enhances their visual appeal and adds a whisper of extra sweetness. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped toasted almonds on top of the jam before baking for a lovely nutty crunch and an elegant look.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the fruity and creamy profiles.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party, arrange the Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe on a tiered serving tray with fresh apricot slices and edible flowers for a stunning display. You can also sandwich these cookies together with softened cream cheese or mascarpone for a charming cookie sandwich variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, keep these cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly soft and delicious for up to 2 days, or you can extend freshness by refrigerating them for up to 1 week.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls before baking, arranged on a baking sheet and covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator before proceeding with the shaping and baking steps. Baked cookies also freeze well in an airtight container for up to 3 months — just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, gently reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or until just warmed through. This little touch brings back that fresh-baked softness and enhances the apricot jam’s aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different jam instead of apricot?

Absolutely! While apricot jam is classic and pairs perfectly with the almond and cream cheese flavors, raspberry, strawberry, or peach preserves would also be delicious alternatives. Just choose a high-quality jam for the best taste.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Cream cheese is key to achieving these cookies’ signature creamy texture and tang. If you don’t have any, these cookies won’t have quite the same richness, but you could try substituting with mascarpone cheese or a combination of softened butter and sour cream for a similar effect.

How long do the cookies keep their freshness?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies remain fresh and soft for about 2 days. In the refrigerator, they can last up to a week without losing their wonderful flavor and texture.

Can I skip the almond extract?

You can! The almond extract adds a subtle nutty note that complements the apricot jam. If you prefer, you can omit it or replace it with a little extra vanilla extract for a milder flavor.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is essential because it firms up the butter and cream cheese, prevents excessive spreading during baking, and allows the flavors to meld together. This step ultimately gives you those perfect, soft, and well-shaped thumbprint cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe soon because it truly brings a little extra magic to your baking repertoire. The tender, creamy dough paired with that sweet apricot center is just the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and your tastebuds sigh with happiness. Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and enjoy every luscious bite!