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
