There’s just something magical about Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies—each bite feels like pure sunshine, tucked into tender, buttery dough with a jewel-bright apricot center. Cream cheese in the dough keeps these cookies soft and rich, while the tangy preserves add a burst of tart-sweet flavor that’s totally irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, sharing with friends over coffee, or just craving a cheerful pick-me-up, these cookies deliver joy and comfort all in one bite. If you haven’t tried Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies before, you’re in for a delightful treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about making Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies is how simple, everyday pantry staples come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays its own important role in shaping the flavor, texture, and stunning looks of these cookies.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect soft but sturdy structure for shaping thumbprints.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): The secret to tender, soft, slightly tangy cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a light, delicate crumb.
- Large egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough so it holds its shape.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into every bite—always use real vanilla if possible!
- Apricot preserves: Brings a tangy, jewel-bright filling and lovely color contrast.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A soft snow-like dusting for a decorative and sweet finish.
How to Make Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when it’s time to bake. Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes clean-up a breeze later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour and salt. This simple step ensures even distribution and lets you break up any flour lumps so your cookies bake up light and tender.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
Using a large bowl and an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture looks smooth, fluffy, and totally combined. The secret here is room temperature ingredients—they blend seamlessly, guaranteeing ultra-tender cookies that almost melt on your tongue.
Step 4: Add Sugar, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla
Gradually add the granulated sugar to your creamy mixture and keep beating until the dough gets light and slightly airy. Next, drop in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing just until you can’t see streaks. Each ingredient makes the dough richer and more flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low (or using a sturdy spatula), add the flour mixture little by little. The dough should come together soft but not sticky, ready for rolling. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as there’s no dry flour left for the most tender cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Fill
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls using your hands. Arrange the balls about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. Gently press your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon into the center of each to make a perfect little well, then fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of apricot preserves.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden but the tops are still pale and soft. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—this keeps them delicate, not crumbly!
Step 8: Decorate and Serve
If you want an extra-pretty finish, dust the tops with powdered sugar once the cookies are fully cool. This step is optional, but that snowy sprinkle takes both appearance and sweetness up a notch.
How to Serve Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies look stunning as-is, especially with that glossy apricot center, but a simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant, bakery-style touch. If you want to dress them up further for a party tray, try a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a pinch of finely grated lemon zest over the top to wake up the citrus notes.
Side Dishes
Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies pair beautifully with creamy drinks like hot chocolate, chai lattes, or a good old-fashioned glass of milk. For a more grown-up gathering, offer them alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a cheese board—the fruity tartness of the cookies is a fun bridge between sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies in tidy rows on a vintage plate for a classic look, or pile them artfully on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment. For gifting, stack a few in a clear cellophane bag tied with a colorful ribbon, or tuck them into a decorative tin layered with wax paper for that adorable, homemade feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen gets especially warm or humid, you can move them to the fridge to keep the preserves fresh—just let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze remarkably well! Once completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, layering parchment between any stacks. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you love that fresh-baked warmth, you can briefly reheat the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 4 to 5 minutes. This revives the buttery flavor and makes the apricot centers shine. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cookies overly soft and the filling too hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of jam for these cookies?
Absolutely! While Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies shine with apricot preserves, you can swap in raspberry, strawberry, or even a tangy marmalade if you like. Each jam will bring its own personality to the cookies.
Why did my cookies spread too much in the oven?
This usually happens if the butter or cream cheese was too soft or if the dough was over-mixed. Try chilling the dough for 20 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
How can I make the dough easier to handle if it’s sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to roll, pop it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it far easier to shape into neat balls and press for the thumbprints.
Do I need to refrigerate the cookies because of the cream cheese?
The baked Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies can safely stay at room temperature for a couple of days. If you’re keeping them longer, it’s best to store them in the fridge, especially in hot weather.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before shaping and baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften up for easy rolling when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both effortlessly impressive and irresistibly delicious, these Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are the answer. The combination of buttery, tender dough and bright apricot centers is truly special—don’t be surprised if they vanish in a flash. Give these cookies a try the next time you want to make any occasion feel extra sweet and memorable!
Print
Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat with a buttery, cream cheese dough filled with sweet apricot preserves. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a delicious cookie!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, beat until fluffy. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to form a dough. Roll into balls and place on baking sheets.
- Press an indent into each cookie. Fill with apricot preserves.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Cool on wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use your favorite jam instead of apricot preserves.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of finely grated lemon zest to the dough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
