There is something irresistibly charming about this Bow Tie Cookies Recipe that makes it a beloved treat for gatherings, holidays, or simply any time you crave a delicate, buttery, and fruity bite. These cookies bring together the creamy richness of cream cheese and butter with a sweet pop of raspberry jam, all elegantly folded into perfect little bow ties. Whether you are an experienced baker or trying your hand at a new recipe, these cookies deliver a wonderful balance of texture and flavor that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a cookie that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bow Tie Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity, using few but carefully chosen ingredients that create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy softness of cream cheese and butter to the sweet brightness of raspberry jam and the delicate dusting of powdered sugar that finishes each cookie.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds richness and a tender texture to the cookie dough.
- Butter (8 oz or 1 cup, softened, salted preferred): Brings moisture and buttery flavor essential for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the dough smoothly without grittiness, plus a bit more for dusting enhances visual appeal.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Lends a warm, aromatic note that complements the jam filling beautifully.
- Flour (2 ½ cups): The foundation of the dough, giving structure while keeping the cookies tender.
- Raspberry jam (½ cup): The vibrant, fruity center that makes these cookies truly pop with flavor.
- Egg white (1, optional): Used as a “glue” to seal the cookie edges perfectly.
- Water (1 tablespoon, optional): Helps thin the egg white for easier sealing of dough corners.
How to Make Bow Tie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl. This creamy base is what makes the dough so tender and rich. Then, mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, which add sweetness and a lovely scent. Finally, gradually blend in the flour until the dough comes together and feels soft but not sticky.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough into two halves and wrap each in plastic wrap. Flatten them into discs about 4 inches across before chilling. While this dough needs time in the refrigerator—at least one to two hours or overnight—this step is vital to make rolling and cutting easier, preventing sticky frustration.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Once your dough is firm, take one disc at a time and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 10×10 inch square, or up to 12×12 inches if you want slightly thinner cookies. Trim the edges for a clean look, then cut the dough into 2-inch squares, ready for filling.
Step 4: Fill and Fold
Place about ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam right in the center of each square. To fold, either moisten the pointed corners with a mixture of egg white and water—or simply use your fingers if you prefer to skip the egg white—and bring two opposite corners together over your index finger, creating that adorable bow tie shape. Press the overlapping corners firmly so the dough seals well.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your folded cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pressing the folded edges down slightly to keep everything intact during baking. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges turn a gentle golden shade. Let them cool completely on a rack before the final touch.
Step 6: The Finishing Touch
Once cooled, sprinkle the cookies generously with powdered sugar. This classic dusting not only adds sweetness but gives an elegant, snowy look that perfectly complements the bow tie shape.
How to Serve Bow Tie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is all these cookies need to shine, but for special occasions, you can drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over them or add a few fresh raspberries on the side for extra flair. These simple touches make serving this Bow Tie Cookies Recipe feel extra special and festive.
Side Dishes
Bow Tie Cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like rich coffee, tea, or a frothy cappuccino. For brunch or afternoon tea, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a mild cheese platter to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies in little piles tied with a natural twine ribbon or place them in small decorative boxes as delightful homemade gifts. You can also set up a cookie platter with various jams or flavored butters for guests to customize their bites—a fun and interactive treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Bow Tie Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for about 3 to 4 days, making them an easy grab-and-go treat.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a sweet snack, thaw them at room temperature—no oven needed!
Reheating
If you prefer your Bow Tie Cookies slightly warm, pop them into a 300°F oven for about five minutes. This will revive their buttery aroma and tender texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different jam instead of raspberry jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry is classic and provides a lovely tart contrast, you can experiment with apricot, strawberry, or even blueberry jams to suit your taste preferences or seasonal availability.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the dough?
Yes, the cream cheese is key to achieving the rich, tender crumb that makes this Bow Tie Cookies Recipe stand out. It helps create that delightful balance between cookie and pastry texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight or even frozen for a week or two. Just make sure to thaw it fully before rolling and cutting the cookies.
What if I don’t want to use egg whites to seal the cookies?
You can skip the egg white entirely and simply pinch the dough corners firmly together with your fingers. The egg white helps with a stronger seal, but many find finger-pressing sufficient.
How do I prevent the cookies from falling apart during baking?
Pressing the folded edges down flat on the baking sheet before baking is an important step. This compresses the bow tie shape and keeps the cookie intact as it bakes and rises gently.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a charming, delicious cookie that feels both elegant and comforting, this Bow Tie Cookies Recipe is a gift you’ll want to share again and again. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s the kind of recipe that brings joy not just through eating but through the making and sharing too. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and experience the magic of bow tie-shaped treats on your own kitchen table!
Print
Bow Tie Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 45 servings
Description
Bow Tie Cookies are delicate, buttery treats filled with a sweet raspberry jam, shaped uniquely into charming bow ties. This recipe combines a soft cream cheese and butter dough with a dusting of powdered sugar for a light, flavorful cookie perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz butter (1 cup), softened, salted butter recommended
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling and Assembly
- ½ cup raspberry jam
- 1 egg white (optional, for sealing the ends)
- 1 Tablespoon water (optional, to mix with egg white)
- Powdered sugar for dusting cookies after baking
Instructions
- Mix the dough ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending well until the mixture is uniform. Gradually mix in the flour, beating until the dough forms and all the flour is fully incorporated.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal halves. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, pressing down to form a roughly 4-inch disc. Refrigerate the discs for at least 1-2 hours or overnight to firm up, which will make rolling easier and prevent sticking.
- Prepare for shaping: Once chilled, take one dough disc at a time and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Roll into a square approximately 10×10 inches, or up to 12×12 inches if possible. Trim the edges to make a neat square.
- Cut and fill the cookies: Cut the rolled dough into 2-inch squares. Spoon about ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam onto the center of each square.
- Seal the cookies: If using, mix the egg white with water to create a glue-like wash. Fold two opposite corners of each square over your index finger to form a bow tie shape. Dab a small amount of the egg wash between the overlapping corners, pressing firmly to seal. Alternatively, you can press the corners together with your fingers without the egg wash.
- Arrange and prepare for baking: Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press the folded sides down to flatten slightly, which helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents them from opening during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until they just begin to turn golden at the edges.
- Cool and finish: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier rolling and cleaner cuts.
- The egg white wash is optional but helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- If you prefer a different filling, apricot or strawberry jam works well as an alternative.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
