Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies practically melt in your mouth, with a pillow-like softness.
- Delightful Flavor Combination: The natural sweetness of dried apricots pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie base.
- Easy to Make: With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll whip these up in no time.
- Versatile Additions: Include walnuts for an extra crunch or keep it nut-free for a simpler treat.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies per batch, they’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or gifting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Apricots and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped dried apricots and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
- Serve: Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 24 cookies
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the walnuts for a simpler, nut-free version of the cookies.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
- Citrusy Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Extra Sweetness: Drizzle the cookies with white chocolate or glaze instead of powdered sugar.
- Berry Swap: Replace dried apricots with dried cranberries or cherries for a tart twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If desired, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?
Fresh apricots have a higher moisture content and may alter the texture. Dried apricots are recommended for this recipe.
2. Can I substitute butter with margarine?
Yes, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Butter provides the best results.
3. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! White or dark chocolate chips complement the apricots wonderfully.
4. Do I have to chill the dough?
No chilling is required, making this recipe quick and easy.
5. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Almond flour would create a denser cookie and may require additional adjustments to the recipe.
6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, and measure the flour accurately.
7. What can I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds make great alternatives.
8. Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
9. How do I ensure even baking?
Use a cookie scoop to measure uniform portions and rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
10. What can I pair these cookies with?
Pair them with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Conclusion
Apricot Pillow Cookies are a nostalgic and versatile treat that bring together the natural sweetness of apricots and the richness of butter. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in some self-care, these cookies will fill your home with warmth and your heart with joy. Try them today—you won’t regret it!
Apricot Pillow Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apricot Pillow Cookies are soft, buttery treats filled with chewy dried apricots and a hint of powdered sugar. Perfect for tea time, dessert, or gifting, these cookies are easy to make and deliciously versatile.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in Apricots and Nuts: Gently fold in chopped apricots and walnuts, if using.
- Shape Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are golden. Cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to a rack.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust cookies with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Skip walnuts for a nut-free version.
- Add citrus zest for a fresh twist.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
