apricot pillow cookies delight

These apricot pillow cookies bring together a tender cream cheese dough and bright apricot preserves for a treat that melts in your mouth They are inspired by a recipe passed down from my great grandmother who carried them from Holland making each bite feel special and nostalgic

The first time I baked these cookies for a holiday party everyone asked for the recipe Now they are a must have for family celebrations

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Choose a fresh bag for the best texture sift before measuring for a tender crumb
• Lemon zest: Adds a fragrant brightness use an unwaxed fresh lemon and zest only the yellow part
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors use fine sea salt for even distribution
• Cream cheese: Full fat cream cheese at room temperature gives richness and that signature softness
• Butter: Unsalted and also room temperature for easy creaming with the cream cheese
• Apricot preserves: Opt for a high quality brand or homemade if available for the brightest fruit flavor and natural texture
• Egg whites: For sealing the pillows and brushing on top for a glossy finish fresh eggs work best
• Granulated sugar: Sprinkled lightly on top to give just a bit of crunch and sparkle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

Cream together room temperature butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until very fluffy about three minutes This step creates that meltaway texture Sift flour and salt together in a separate bowl then stir in fresh lemon zest This prevents any lumps and ensures the zest distributes evenly Blend the dry mixture into the butter mixture with a wooden spoon Stop mixing when just combined to avoid tough cookies

Chill the Dough:

Shape the dough into a smooth ball It will be quite sticky Wrap in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes so it firms up and becomes easier to handle

Roll and Cut:

On a well floured surface cut the firm dough into three equal pieces Roll each one to between one eighth to one fourth inch thickness Even thinness means even baking Use a sharp knife or pizza wheel to cut into three inch squares

Fill and Seal:

Spoon one teaspoon of apricot preserves into the center of each square Brush the edges of the dough with egg white that has been beaten to a light foam This helps the corners stay sealed Fold the corners up to the center to cover the filling and firmly pinch seams closed for that classic pillow shape

Bake:

Arrange on an ungreased cookie sheet keeping about an inch space between each cookie Brush the tops lightly with more egg white and sprinkle with a bit of granulated sugar Bake in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees for about twenty five minutes or until the cookies are light golden brown

Cool and Enjoy:

Use care not to overfill the cookies Let them cool completely on a rack so the preserves set and the cookies get their delicate crumb

Pin it

My favorite part is the nostalgic scent of lemon and butter as these bake It reminds me of Sunday mornings baking alongside my aunt who always let me seal the little pillows with egg wash Growing up these cookies always disappeared fastest from the treat table

Storage Tips

Store cookies in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to four days To freeze layer between sheets of parchment in an airtight freezer container Thaw at room temperature before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Raspberry or plum preserves also work if apricot is not available For the dough you can try neufchatel cheese in place of cream cheese or add a splash of orange extract for a twist If out of lemon zest orange zest will add a warmer fragrance

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a platter dusted with a bit of powdered sugar for a holiday tray Pair with black tea or spiced coffee for a simple afternoon treat These look beautiful as part of a cookie assortment for special occasions

Pin it

Cultural and Historical Context

This recipe traveled from Holland generations ago and has roots in European butter and jam cookie traditions Similar styles appear across Scandinavian and German bakeries Often these cookies symbolize celebration and family gatherings baked for holidays and shared over coffee

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use cream cheese in the dough?

Cream cheese adds richness, tenderness, and a subtle tang, resulting in a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Seal the edges snugly and avoid overfilling each square to keep the apricot preserves inside during baking.

→ Can other preserves be substituted for apricot?

Yes, peach, raspberry, or cherry preserves can be used for different flavor profiles.

→ How thick should the dough be rolled?

Roll dough between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick to achieve the ideal balance of crispness and tenderness.

→ Why brush the cookies with egg white?

Brushing with egg whites helps seal the edges and promotes a golden, glossy finish when baked.