Ingredients

  • Step 1
  • 1-1/2 cups lukewarm water (105-115 degrees F)
  • 3-1/2 Tbsp. active dry yeast
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • Step 2
  • 3 cups butter or margarine
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. salt
  • 20 each egg yolks
  • 3-1/2 Tbsp. lemon zest
  • Step 3
  • 1 qt. all-purpose flour
  • 1-3/4 cups instant nonfat dry milk
  • 1-1/2 qt. warm water (120-130 degrees F)
  • 3-3/4 qt. all-purpose flour
  • 6 each egg whites
  • Step 4
  • 216 pieces PHILADELPHIA Original Cream Cheese, cut into 1/4-oz. cubes
  • 1 qt. apricot preserves
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Method

  • Step 1: Combine ingredients until well blended.
  • Let stand 20 min.
  • Step 2: Combine butter, sugar and salt in bowl of 20-qt.
  • mixer fitted with paddle attachment (or in 5-qt.
  • mixer for trial recipe).
  • Mix well.
  • Add egg yolks, a few at a time, beating after each addition.
  • Blend in zest.
  • Step 3: Combine flour and dry milk; set aside.
  • Add warm water, yeast mixture, and flour-dry milk mixture to mixer bowl; blend with dough hook.
  • Add remaining flour; mix until a soft dough forms.
  • Beat egg whites until stiff, but not dry.
  • Add to dough; mix well.
  • Dough will be soft, but should not be sticky.
  • Add additional flour if needed.
  • Cover and let rise 20 to 45 min.
  • or until doubled in volume.
  • Step 4: Punch dough down.
  • Scale into 1 oz.
  • balls and place on parchment paper-lined, greased sheet pans.
  • Let rise 20 to 45 min.
  • or until doubled in volume.
  • Press down center of each dough ball with fingers or thumb to form a cavity.
  • Place 1 cream cheese cube into each cavity.
  • Top each with 1 tsp.
  • preserves.
  • Bake in 375 degrees F standard oven 15 min.
  • Cool completely.
  • Sprinkle with powdered sugar.