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
Scale
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.
