In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the sour cream, egg yolks, and vanilla. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead gently until smooth.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Step 2 – Roll and Cut
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
Cut into 3-inch (7–8 cm) squares.
Step 3 – Fill and Shape
Place about 1 teaspoon of thick apricot jam in the center of each square.
Fold two opposite corners toward the center so they overlap slightly, gently pressing to seal while leaving a small opening where the jam is visible.
Arrange the pastries on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Step 4 – Bake
Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastries are lightly golden.
Cool on a wire rack.
Step 5 – Serve
Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Coffee
Black tea
Hot chocolate
Fresh whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Fresh apricots or berries
Tips for Perfect Turnovers
Use thick apricot jam so it doesn’t leak during baking.
Keep the dough cold for the flakiest texture.
Avoid overfilling the pastries.
Chill the shaped turnovers for 10–15 minutes before baking for sharper edges.
Variations
Try these delicious fillings:
Plum jam (Szilvalekvár)
Raspberry jam
Cherry preserves
Sweet walnut filling
Poppy seed filling
Sweet cream cheese
Nutella or chocolate spread
Storage
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Lekváros Papucs” mean?
In Hungarian, lekvár means fruit jam and papucs means slipper. The folded shape of the pastry resembles a small slipper, giving the cookie its traditional name.
Can I use other jams?
Yes. Plum, raspberry, cherry, or peach jam all work well, but apricot is the classic choice.
Why did my jam leak out?
The jam may have been too thin or too much was added. Use a thick preserve and only about 1 teaspoon per pastry.
Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, and the baked pastries freeze very well.
Nutrition (Per Cookie)
Calories: 145
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Sugar: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 45 mg
Final Thoughts
Hungarian Apricot Jam Turnovers (Lekváros Papucs) are a timeless Hungarian pastry loved for their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and bright apricot filling. Whether served during the holidays or with an afternoon coffee, these elegant cookies are a wonderful way to enjoy a classic taste of Hungary.
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