If you are looking for a charming, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines tangy raspberries with luscious cream cheese in every bite, this Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful little treats perfectly balance crumbly, buttery dough with a sweet-tart raspberry center and a velvety cream cheese twist. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just treating yourself, these bites are irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, whether adding flavor, texture, or that perfect visual appeal. They are all simple pantry staples, making this a wonderfully accessible recipe to whip up anytime.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for a tender and crumbly dough.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and tenderizes the dough thoroughly.
- Cream cheese, softened: Gives the bites a smooth, creamy texture with a slight tang.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and complements the raspberry jam.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant undertone to the mixture.
- Raspberry jam: Provides the vibrant fruit filling bursting with sweet-tart flavor.
- Egg, beaten: Used to brush the dough edges, helping the bites develop a golden finish.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a pretty dusting that makes the bites look as good as they taste.
How to Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you mix. Then, combine the all-purpose flour with the salt in a medium bowl and stir gently. This dry mix is important to evenly distribute the salt throughout your dough later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a larger bowl, beat your softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This step is key because these two ingredients form the rich base of your dough and give it that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Vanilla
Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Next, mix in vanilla extract, which infuses the dough with a warm and inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour and salt mixture to the creamy base, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bites tender and not tough.
Step 5: Form Dough Balls
Divide the dough into small portions and roll each piece into a smooth ball. This uniform size helps them bake evenly.
Step 6: Create Indentations and Add Raspberry Jam
Place the balls spaced about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Gently press the center of each one with your thumb or the back of a spoon, creating a small well. Fill each indentation with about a teaspoon of raspberry jam for that sweet, fruity surprise inside.
Step 7: Brush Edges and Bake
Lightly brush the edges of each dough ball with beaten egg to promote a lovely golden-brown color during baking. Then bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges turn golden and the jam is bubbly.
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Allow your bites to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for that final touch of elegance and sweetness.
How to Serve Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation, add fresh raspberries or a tiny mint leaf on top of each bite. The red and green provide a lovely color contrast that makes the bites irresistible on a dessert platter.
Side Dishes
Serve these bites alongside a cup of hot coffee or a chilled glass of milk to complement their sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with a light fruit salad for a balanced, refreshing tea-time spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe in a circular pattern on decorative plates or tiered dessert stands. You can even line them in rows atop doilies or parchment paper for a charming rustic look that invites guests to dig in right away.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
These bites freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe warm after freezing, let them thaw at room temperature and gently reheat in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes. This revitalizes the softness and brightens the jam’s fruity tones.
FAQs
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of raspberry jam?
Using fresh raspberries will add a delightful burst of natural flavor, but because fresh fruit is much juicier, it might affect the bite’s texture and baking time. If you go this route, consider slightly draining the berries or mixing them with a bit of sugar to reduce extra moisture.
Is it possible to make the dough dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan margarine or coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still deliciously satisfying.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?
Make sure the indentation is well-formed and not too shallow to hold the jam. Using a thicker jam or reducing it slightly on the stove before filling can help keep everything neatly contained.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales up easily. Just remember to increase your baking sheets or bake in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect baking time and evenness.
What can I substitute for powdered sugar for dusting?
If you want to avoid powdered sugar, a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a gentle sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can offer a tasty alternative while keeping that beautiful finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly comforting and joyful about making these Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe from scratch. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Go ahead and make these bites your new sweet favorite—you deserve it!
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Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are delightful little treats featuring a creamy cheesecake-like center with the sweet and tangy burst of raspberry jam. Wrapped in a buttery, tender dough and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these bites make a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a perfect baking environment for the bites.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the creamed mixture, continuing to beat until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly add the flour and salt mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined to form the dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball shape.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Place the dough balls onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for baking expansion.
- Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press down in the center of each dough ball to make a small well for the filling.
- Fill with Raspberry Jam: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam into the indentation of each dough ball to add a sweet and tangy center.
- Brush with Egg: Lightly beat the egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the edges of each dough circle; this helps achieve a golden edge during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bites for 18-20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Transfer to Wire Rack: Carefully transfer the bites to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once fully cooled, dust the tops of the bites with powdered sugar using a fine sieve for an attractive finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious raspberry cream cheese bites as a sweet treat perfect for any time of day.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Do not overmix the flour into the creamed mixture to keep the bites tender and avoid toughness.
- Spacing dough balls appropriately on the baking sheet prevents them from sticking together as they bake.
- Use fresh or high-quality raspberry jam for the best flavor impact in the filling.
- Allow the bites to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent it from melting and clumping.
