Homemade apricot tartlets bring together a tender pastry shell and a naturally sweet fruit center in one delightful little dessert. Each bite combines the gentle tang of cream cheese dough with the fruity flavor of apricots, while a light coating of powdered sugar gives the finished treats a pretty touch.

The recipe makes approximately 48 mini tartlets, making it suitable for sharing at gatherings, preparing ahead for guests, or keeping in the kitchen for a sweet afternoon treat.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the apricot filling

1 cup chopped dried apricots

Water, enough to cover the apricots by about 1 inch

¼ cup sugar

1 tbsp butter

⅛ tsp freshly ground nutmeg (optional)

¼ tsp ground cinnamon

2 tbsp orange juice

For the pastry

1⅓ cups butter, softened to room temperature

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

2⅔ cups white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the topping

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chop the dried apricots and place them in a saucepan with enough water to cover them by about 1 inch.

2. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until softened and thickened.

3. Stir in the sugar, butter, cinnamon, optional nutmeg, and orange juice. Cook until the mixture resembles a thick fruit spread, then cool completely.

4. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until evenly combined.

5. Mix in the vanilla, then add the flour on low speed until a thick dough forms.

6. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

7. Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and divide the chilled dough into walnut-sized portions.

8. Press each portion into a mini muffin or tart mold using a lightly floured tart tamper.

9. Spoon a rounded teaspoon of apricot filling into each pastry shell.

10. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, just until the pastry edges become lightly golden. Avoid baking for too long.

11. Let the tartlets cool completely on wire racks, then finish with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.

Storage and Serving Ideas

Allow the tartlets to cool before arranging them on a serving plate. The powdered sugar adds a delicate finish, while the small size makes them convenient to serve individually. They work well on dessert platters or alongside other small baked treats. For later enjoyment, keep the cooled tartlets in an airtight container. They can also be frozen in suitable freezer containers. Bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their intended texture.

These homemade apricot tartlets are a lovely combination of soft pastry and sweet, gently spiced fruit. Preparing the filling from dried apricots gives the dessert a fresh homemade character, while the cream cheese dough keeps the shells tender and easy to shape. With a little preparation and a short baking time, you can make a generous batch of small treats that are ready to share or save for another day.