Cream Cheese Dainties: A Delightful and Decadent Treat
Cream Cheese Dainties are an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines the richness of cream cheese with the delicate texture of a buttery pastry. These bite-sized cookies are filled with a hint of sweet fruit preserves, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for tea parties, holidays, or simply as an afternoon treat, these dainties are easy to make and will impress your guests every time.
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Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Making Cream Cheese Dainties is a simple process that requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s the full recipe along with step-by-step instructions.
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Cream Cheese Dainties Recipe: Buttery, Sweet, and Fruit-Filled Delights
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cream Cheese Dainties are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a sweet surprise center. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a rich, tender texture, while the fruit preserves add a burst of sweetness and color. These cookies are perfect for tea time, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a delicate, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup apricot spreadable fruit or seedless raspberry preserves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the Flour:
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Form the Cookies:
- Scoop out small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon per cookie) and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Make an Indentation:
- Using your finger or the back of a spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each dough ball to create a little well.
- Fill with Preserves:
- Place a small spoonful of apricot spreadable fruit or seedless raspberry preserves into the indentation of each cookie.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Serve the Cream Cheese Dainties as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or as part of a dessert platter. Enjoy!
Notes
You can substitute the apricot spreadable fruit with other flavors of fruit preserves, such as strawberry or peach, for a different twist.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
For a more festive look, dust the cookies with powdered sugar once they are completely cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cream Cheese Dainties
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This will help create a soft and tender dough.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the butter-cream cheese mixture. Mix until fully combined, but be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can affect its texture. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up and makes it easier to roll out.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough.
- Add the Jam: Place the cut-out dough circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Place about a teaspoon of apricot spreadable fruit or raspberry preserves in the center of each circle.
- Fold the Dough: Gently fold the edges of the dough over the jam to form a small pocket or envelope shape. Don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfectly sealed — they will still bake beautifully.
- Bake: Bake the dainties in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy these delightful treats!
Advanced Techniques
Take your Cream Cheese Dainties to the next level with these advanced techniques:
1. Add Flavor Variations
For a different twist, you can try other fruit preserves, such as strawberry, peach, or blueberry. This will change the flavor profile and add variety to the dainties. You can also experiment with adding citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the dough for an added burst of flavor.
2. Use Different Cookie Cutters
While round shapes are traditional, you can use any cookie cutter to shape the dough — hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for the holidays, or even flower shapes for a springtime treat. Customizing the shapes can make these dainties even more festive and fun.
3. Top with Powdered Sugar or Glaze
For an extra touch of sweetness and elegance, dust your cooled cream cheese dainties with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. This adds a beautiful finishing touch and a bit more sweetness.
4. Make Mini Tarts
If you prefer a more refined look, instead of folding the dough around the preserves, press each circle of dough into mini muffin tins to create small tart shells. Then, fill the center with the preserves. Bake as directed and enjoy the tiny, tart-shaped treats!
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
To keep your Cream Cheese Dainties fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:
Storage
Store your cooled cream cheese dainties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The cookies will stay soft and tender, and the preserves will maintain their sweetness. If you live in a hot climate, it’s better to store them in the refrigerator.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked, filled dough. Place the filled dough onto a baking sheet and freeze it for about 1 hour. Afterward, transfer the dough to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dainties on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C), adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
If you’ve already baked and frosted the cookies, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Here are some ways to modify this recipe to fit different dietary needs:
Gluten-Free Version
To make gluten-free Cream Cheese Dainties, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that is designed for baking cookies for the best results.
Dairy-Free Version
For a dairy-free option, swap the butter with a plant-based butter and use dairy-free cream cheese. You can also substitute the preserves with a fruit jam that does not contain any dairy ingredients.
Sugar-Free Version
If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. The preserves can also be replaced with a no-sugar-added fruit spread or sugar-free jam to keep the overall sweetness in check.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use a different type of fruit preserve?
Yes! You can use any type of fruit preserve or jam, such as strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot. Choose a preserve you love to create your own twist on this recipe.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it up to 2 days before baking. You can also prepare the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
3. How can I prevent the dough from becoming too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to work with, try chilling it for a longer time, or add a bit more flour while rolling it out. Make sure your work surface is lightly floured, and don’t forget to keep the dough cool as it will become easier to handle.
4. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Cream Cheese Dainties are a simple yet elegant dessert that combines the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of fruit preserves. With a light, buttery texture and a touch of sweetness, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday, a special gathering, or just a treat for yourself. Experiment with different preserves, cookie shapes, or even glazes to create a personalized version of this delicious pastry. Whatever way you make them, these Cream Cheese Dainties are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!