Soft Papucs with Jam – Cream Cheese Pastry Cookies

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  • November 30, 2025
Breakfast

Papucs with Jam (Soft Cream Cheese Pastry Cookies)

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 lightly sweet—perfect for tea time, festive dessert trays, or cozy homemade treats.

⭐ Ingredients for Papucs with Jam

This dough is incredibly soft, rich, and easy to work with.
Makes about 30 cookies.

Dough

  • 6 oz (180g) cream cheese, softened

  • 2 sticks (230g) unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)

  • 1 heaping tablespoon powdered sugar

  • 1 packet (9g) vanilla sugar — or 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • Pinch of salt

Filling & Finish

  • Thick jam (strawberry, apricot, raspberry, plum, fig, etc.)

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

🍯 What Makes These Cookies Special

The dough is similar to a pastry crust but softer, richer, and more tender thanks to the combination of cream cheese and butter. There are no eggs or leaveners—the texture comes from cold ingredients, proper chilling, and minimal handling.

Once baked, the corners puff and the jam settles into the center like a tiny jewel. The combination of tangy dough + sweet fruit is unforgettable.

🍓 Choosing the Best Jam

Use a thick jam that holds its shape while baking. Great options:

  • Strawberry — classic and delicious

  • Apricot — bright and tart

  • Raspberry — bold and flavorful

  • Plum or fig — rich and deep

If your jam is runny:
Stir in 1 tsp cornstarch and microwave for 10–15 seconds to thicken. Let cool before using.

🕒 Plan Ahead

The dough must chill for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
Cold dough = cleaner cuts, minimal spreading, and perfect shape.

You can also freeze the dough for later—great for holiday prep!

🧁 How to Make Papucs with Jam (Step-by-Step)

1. Make the Dough

  1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

  2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla sugar/extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.

  3. Add the flour gradually until a soft, smooth dough forms. It should not be sticky.

  4. Wrap in plastic, flatten into a disk, and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.

2. Roll and Cut

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.

  2. Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin.

  3. Cut the dough in half and keep one half chilled while working.

  4. Roll to ⅛ inch (3 mm) thickness.

  5. Cut into 2.5 x 2.5 inch (6 cm) squares.

3. Fill and Fold

  1. Add ½ teaspoon jam to the center of each square.

  2. Fold one corner diagonally over the jam.

  3. Fold the opposite corner on top and press gently to seal.

  4. Use a tiny dab of water if the dough needs help sticking.

  5. Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on the tray.

Tip: Don’t overfill—too much jam causes leaks.

4. Bake

Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
The tops should remain pale and soft.

Cool 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a rack.

5. Dust and Serve

Once fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar.
Serve with tea, coffee, or fresh fruit.

📦 Storage Tips

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze Unbaked Cookies

Freeze shaped cookies on a tray ➝ transfer to bag ➝ bake from frozen
(Add 1–2 minutes to bake time.)

Freeze Baked Cookies

Cool completely and freeze in a single layer.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • With hot tea or espresso

  • Alongside whipped cream or mascarpone

  • With fruit compote

  • On a holiday cookie platter

  • Garnished with lemon zest or mint

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dough too sticky to roll?

It’s too warm. Chill for 30 minutes.
You may dust lightly with flour, but do not add too much.

What jam works best?

Any thick jam: apricot, raspberry, strawberry, cherry, plum.
Avoid jelly or runny jam—they leak.

Can I freeze papucs?

Yes—freeze unbaked for best results. Bake from frozen with slightly longer baking time.

Do I need to seal the corners tightly?

Yes. Press firmly.
A small dab of water or egg white helps prevent opening during baking.

Why did my cookies spread?

The dough was too warm.
Chill shaped cookies for 10 minutes before baking.

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