Heart-Shaped Fruit-Filled Pastry Cookies

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Heart-Shaped Fruit-Filled Pastry Cookies.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets by spraying them with cooking spray or lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Step 2

   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold butter, cold cream cheese, and salt. Using two knives or a pastry cutter, blend the mixture until it resembles small peas. This will create a flaky texture that’s perfect for your cookies. Once combined, shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency.

3. Step 3

   After the dough has chilled, divide it in half. Keep one half in the refrigerator while you roll out the other half. Between two sheets of wax paper or parchment, roll the dough into a thin sheet about 1/8 inch thick. Once rolled, carefully lift off the top sheet and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 18 cookies. To make transferring easier, place the cutouts on a flat baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up. Repeat this process with the second half of the dough, cutting out another 18 heart-shaped cookies.

4. Step 4

   Now it’s time to assemble! Place 18 of the cookies on your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they have space between them. Gently brush a little beaten egg around the edges of each cookie, then spoon about 1 teaspoon of apricot preserves into the center of each. Top each filled cookie with another unfilled cookie, pressing the edges together to seal in the delicious filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges, giving them a lovely decorative touch.

5. Step 5

   Brush the tops of your filled cookies with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle a little sugar on top for a sweet finish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool completely before placing them in containers. Enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!