Tell Me About These Apricot Cream Cheese Cookies
Texture: Have you ever tried lemon ricotta cookies before? These apricot cream cheese thumbprint cookies have a similar melt-in-your-mouth texture with the bonus of a jammy filling. Cream cheese makes the dough extra soft and creamy, which I love in so many cookie recipes, like maple walnut tassies and cream cheese sugar cookies. The almonds add a little crunch, so if you crave a little texture contrast, don’t skip them. Flavor: When I first tested this recipe, I kept the cookie dough plain. It’s sweet with a little tang, but benefits from extra flavor. In another test batch, I added lemon zest for a fresh zing and almond extract, both of which pair beautifully with the apricot center. If you enjoy soft and fruity cookies, you’ll enjoy biting into these! Ease: Mixing the cookie dough together is pretty easy, but assembly requires a little extra effort—rolling the dough balls, coating in almonds, making a thumbprint, and filling with jam. Take your time and don’t rush. Time: Set aside enough time to chill the cookie dough. We use enough cream cheese in the dough to make a uniquely tender cookie, but it also creates a very sticky creamy dough. This dough needs time in the refrigerator to thicken properly. As you wait—and if you need more cookies—bake some no chill cookies like these crunchy crisp lace cookies or shortbread cookies.
Overview: How to Make Cream Cheese Apricot Cookies
The full printable recipe is below, but let’s walk through the recipe so you understand each step before you get started.
Other Flavors:
If you’re not into almond & apricot, here are some other suggestions:
Strawberry Pecan: Skip the almond extract and lemon zest. Roll in finely chopped pecans and fill with strawberry jam. Blackberry Almond: Swap apricot jam or preserves for blackberry jam or preserves. Apple Butter Walnut: Skip the almond extract and lemon zest. Roll in finely chopped walnuts and fill with apple butter. Blueberry: Swap apricot jam or preserves with blueberry. (If you need a recommendation, I really like Bonne Maman wild blueberry preserves.)
Or try these lemon thumbprint cookies instead.
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And here are 75+ Christmas cookies with all my best success guides & tips.
