Apricot Kolaches - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup dried apricots
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup white sugar

Preparation

To make Filling: Combine apricots and water in heavy saucepan and cook covered over medium heat for 10 minutes or until apricots are soft. Cook UNCOVERED 5 to 10 minutes or until most of the water has been absorbed.
Mash apricots, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar and let filling cool. Set aside.
To make Dough: Cream butter and cream cheese until fluffy; add 3/4 cup sugar and beat well. Add flour and mix well. Shape dough into ball and chill 1 hour.
Turn dough onto well-floured surface, working with only half the dough. Roll into 1/8 inch thickness and cut into 2 inch squares. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of apricot filling into the center of the square. Bring four corners to center, pinching to seal.
Bake at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes. Optional - you may baste with butter halfway thru baking period.
Optional - drizzle LIGHTLY with powdered sugar/milk frosting if you desire sweeter kolaches.