If you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth pastry that’s both elegant and comforting, Papucs with Jam is the recipe you need. These soft, folded cookies are made with a delicate cream cheese dough, filled with fruity jam, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re buttery, tangy, and not too sweet just right for afternoon tea, festive trays, or a cozy homemade treat.
Ingredients for Papucs with Jam
This dough is incredibly soft and easy to work with. Here are the exact measurements and ingredients you’ll need to make about 30 cookies:
- 6 oz (180g) cream cheese – full-fat, softened
- 2 sticks (230g) unsalted butter – room temperature
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour – plus extra for rolling
- 1 heaping tablespoon powdered sugar – for light sweetness
- 1 packet (9g) vanilla sugar – or 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon – finely grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – freshly squeezed
- Pinch of salt
- Jam for filling – any thick jam (strawberry, apricot, raspberry work great)
- Powdered sugar for dusting – optional but highly recommended
What Makes These Cookies So Special?
The dough is similar to a pastry crust but richer and more tender thanks to the cream cheese and butter combo. It doesn’t rely on eggs or baking powder just cold ingredients, precise handling, and good jam. Once baked, the corners puff slightly while the centers cradle a jewel-like pool of jam. The contrast of the buttery shell with the sweet, tangy filling is irresistible.
Choosing the Best Jam
“Always use a thick jam that doesn’t spread while baking homemade or store-bought, as long as it holds its shape.”
Here are some top choices for filling:
- Strawberry jam – classic and vibrant
- Apricot jam – tart and golden
- Raspberry preserves – for a punch of flavor
- Plum or fig jam – for a richer, earthy note
If your jam is too runny, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch and microwave it briefly to thicken. Let it cool before using.
Plan Ahead
The dough requires at least one hour of chilling, or ideally overnight. This rest time ensures the cookies hold their shape and bake up tender instead of spreading too much. You can even freeze the dough for later use and bake straight from frozen perfect for holiday prep!
Step by Step to Make Papucs with Jam
1: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla sugar (or extract), lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. It will be soft but should not stick to your fingers.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, flatten into a disk, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. The colder the dough, the easier it is to handle.
2: Roll and Cut the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Cut the dough in half and leave one half in the fridge while working with the other.
- Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick. Use a knife or pastry cutter to cut into squares, about 2.5 x 2.5 inches (6cm).
3: Fill and Fold the Cookies
- Place about 1/2 teaspoon of thick jam in the center of each square.
- Gently fold one corner diagonally over the jam, then fold the opposite corner over it, pressing gently to seal. Use a dab of water to help the dough stick if needed.
- Place the shaped cookies on the baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
“Don’t overfill the cookies a small amount of jam goes a long way and helps prevent leaking during baking.”
4: Bake and Cool
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until just barely golden at the edges. They should remain pale on top.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5: Dust and Serve
- Once fully cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a traditional look. This adds a lovely finish and soft sweetness.
Storage Tips
Store the baked papucs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful. You can also freeze the unbaked shaped cookies just place them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen with an extra 1-2 minutes of bake time.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cookies alongside coffee, tea, or fruit compote.
- Add a touch of whipped cream or mascarpone on the side for a fancier presentation.
- Pair with lemon zest or mint garnish for extra color and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Papucs with Jam
Why is my dough too sticky to roll?
If the dough feels sticky, it likely needs more chilling. Place it back in the fridge for 30 minutes. You can also dust lightly with flour as you roll, but don’t overdo it or the dough will become tough.
What type of jam works best?
Any thick, non-runny jam is perfect. Apricot, strawberry, raspberry, and cherry are classic choices. Avoid jelly or very loose jam as it will leak during baking.
Can I freeze papucs?
Yes! You can freeze them unbaked or baked. To freeze unbaked, shape and place on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen. To freeze baked papucs, cool completely and freeze in a single layer.
Do I need to seal the corners tightly?
Yes. Press the overlapping corners together firmly and use a dab of water or egg white to help them stick. This helps prevent the cookie from opening while baking.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
The dough may have been too warm. Chill shaped cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to help them keep their shape.
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- Buttery Crescent Jam Cookies
- Lemon Ricotta Cookies
- Rich Cream Cheese Pastries
- Sweet Cheese Danish Bites
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