Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

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There’s something truly magical about the combination of tangy apricot jam and rich cream cheese tucked into a buttery cookie. I’ve always had a soft spot for thumbprint cookies, but once I tried adding cream cheese into the dough, it took everything to a new, irresistible level. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth, slightly tangy, beautifully sweet cookie that feels both nostalgic and luxuriously indulgent.

Whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon tea, looking for the perfect holiday treat, or just craving a comforting homemade dessert, these Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are bound to be your new favorite. Every bite is a soft, buttery embrace, perfectly accented by the glossy apricot center that glows like a little jewel on your plate.

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Why You’ll Love These Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies aren’t just pretty—they’re absolutely delicious! The cream cheese creates a tender, almost cheesecake-like texture in the cookie base, while the apricot jam brings a bright, fruity burst that balances out the richness. They’re incredibly easy to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and look stunning enough to impress guests at any gathering. Plus, they store beautifully, making them perfect for holiday gift baskets or a sweet stash in your cookie jar.

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What Kind of Jam Should I Use for Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies?

When it comes to jam selection, I personally love using a high-quality apricot preserve that’s thick and slightly tart—it really brings a lovely contrast to the buttery cookie. Look for jams with minimal added sugar and real fruit chunks for the best flavor. If you prefer a super-smooth center, you can gently warm the jam and strain it before filling the cookies. The key is to pick a jam that holds its shape when baked, so you get that beautiful, glossy finish without it running everywhere.

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Options for Substitutions

• Jam Flavor: Not a fan of apricot? No problem! You can easily swap it for raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, or even lemon curd for a citrusy twist.
• Cream Cheese: If you’re lactose intolerant, plant-based cream cheese alternatives work surprisingly well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s a block-style version, not whipped.
• Gluten-Free Flour: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.
• Butter: For a dairy-free version, high-quality vegan butter can be used, but keep an eye on the dough’s texture—it may need a touch more flour.
• Sugar Alternatives: Coconut sugar or a monk fruit sweetener blend can be used if you want a lower-glycemic version, but it may slightly alter the flavor and color.

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Ingredients for Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Essential for creating that soft, melt-in-your-mouth base with a rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient that adds tenderness, a slight tang, and a creamy, luxurious texture to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a lightly crisp edge while keeping the centers tender.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and stability for the cookies, ensuring they hold their beautiful shape.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving the cookies a warm, aromatic depth.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and intensify the other flavors.
• Apricot Jam: The star topping! Adds fruity brightness and an irresistible glossy center to each cookie.
• Powdered Sugar (Optional): Perfect for dusting over the finished cookies for a snowy, festive touch.

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Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial—it incorporates air, giving you that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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Step 2: Add Flavor and Structure

Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to build the flavor profile. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, blending just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—overworked dough can lead to tough cookies.

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Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms it up, making it easier to shape and helping the cookies maintain their form during baking.

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Step 4: Shape and Fill

Scoop out small portions of dough (about a tablespoon each), roll them into balls, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each ball. Fill each indentation with a small dollop of apricot jam.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden and the jam is set. Keep an eye on them—they should be just starting to turn color at the bottom, but still soft on top.

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How Long to Cook Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown, and the centers remain soft but set. Keep a close watch during the last couple of minutes—because of the cream cheese, they can brown quickly if left too long.

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Tips for Perfect Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

• Soften Your Ingredients: Make sure both your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted—this ensures a smooth, creamy dough without lumps.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. Cold dough holds its shape better during baking, giving you well-defined thumbprints.
• Use a Small Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, use a small cookie scoop. It helps them bake uniformly and look extra professional.
• Warm the Jam Slightly: If your jam is too thick, warm it just a little before filling the cookies. It will be easier to spoon and will spread more beautifully.
• Don’t Overfill: A small amount of jam is plenty. Overfilling can cause the jam to overflow during baking.
• Re-indent if Needed: If the dough puffs up a bit while baking, you can gently press down the center again immediately after pulling them out of the oven.
• Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar Last: If you like a snowy touch, wait until the cookies are fully cool before dusting them with powdered sugar.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Chill: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies will spread too much and lose their cute thumbprint shape.
• Overworking the Dough: Mixing the dough too much once the flour is added can make the cookies dense and tough instead of soft and tender.
• Using Too Much Jam: It’s tempting, but overloading the indentations with jam can cause messy, overflowing centers during baking.
• Wrong Butter Texture: Using melted or too-hard butter can drastically change the dough texture—make sure it’s just softened.
• Baking Too Long: Waiting for the tops to brown will overbake these cookies. Only the edges should lightly color.
• Not Reshaping Indents: If the cookies puff up during baking, gently pressing the centers back down while warm keeps the thumbprint neat.
• Crowding the Baking Sheet: Give your cookies space to spread slightly without merging together.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

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What to Serve With Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

1. A Cup of Earl Grey Tea

The floral notes in Earl Grey beautifully complement the fruity apricot jam.

2. Fresh Fruit Platter

A colorful mix of berries, grapes, and melon pairs refreshingly with these sweet cookies.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert combo.

4. Espresso or Strong Coffee

The slight bitterness of coffee contrasts deliciously with the sweet, buttery cookies.

5. Sparkling Lemonade

A bubbly, tart drink brings a fun brightness to the cookie experience.

6. Cheese Board

Believe it or not, these cookies work wonderfully with a simple cheese board—think soft brie and fresh figs.

7. Whipped Cream Dollop

Add a little whipped cream beside a few cookies for an extra indulgent presentation.

8. Holiday Punch

For festive gatherings, a fruity punch (with or without alcohol) makes a cheerful pairing.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies at their best:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer, especially in warmer climates, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
• Refreshing Frozen Cookies: A quick 2–3 minutes in a 300°F (150°C) oven will bring back a little of that just-baked magic if you’d like.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one cookie (assuming about 24 cookies total from the batch):

• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 1g

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the thumbprint from disappearing while baking?

To keep the thumbprint intact, chill the dough before baking and gently re-press the center with the back of a spoon right after they come out of the oven if needed.

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Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, I recommend full-fat for the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions might make the cookies a little less rich and slightly more crumbly.

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Is it okay to use a different type of jam?

Absolutely! Raspberry, blackberry, or even lemon curd would work wonderfully. Just pick something that’s thick enough to hold its shape during baking.

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Do I need to refrigerate the cookies after baking?

Not necessarily. If you plan to eat them within a few days, they’re fine at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigeration is a better option.

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Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just let it soften slightly before shaping and filling.

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What if my jam spreads too much?

This usually happens if the jam is too thin. Try using a thicker preserve or gently simmer your jam to reduce and thicken it before using.

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How can I make the cookies look extra festive?

A light dusting of powdered sugar after they’ve cooled gives them a beautiful, snowy appearance, perfect for the holidays!

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Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! These cookies are great for parties or gifting. Just make sure to bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.

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Conclusion

Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies are truly a little piece of baking bliss. I love how they balance a rich, creamy dough with the bright, fruity pop of apricot jam. Whether you’re whipping up a quick treat for yourself, baking for a special occasion, or adding a new favorite to your holiday cookie platter, these cookies never fail to impress. They’re easy, elegant, and full of cozy, homemade flavor—the kind that instantly brings a smile to anyone lucky enough to take a bite.

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