Preparation of Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until a smooth dough forms. Alternatively, this mixture can be pulsed in a food processor.
Form the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or up to overnight. Note that the dough will be very soft.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Rolling and Cutting the Dough:
Sprinkle flour onto a clean work surface.
Divide the chilled dough into two halves. Place one half back into the refrigerator to remain chilled.
Roll out the first half of the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
Using a knife or a cookie cutter, cut the rolled dough into approximately 12 squares, each roughly 2 1/2 inches square. Re-form any leftover dough into a ball and re-roll as needed to maximize usage.
Assembling the Cookies:
Place the dough squares onto a lined jelly roll pan.
Add a small dollop of your chosen jam in the center of each square.
Fold two opposite corners of each square to meet in the middle, gently pressing them together to secure the filling.
Repeat this process with the remaining dough and jam, ensuring even distribution of the jam filling.
Baking the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to brown.
Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process should take approximately 1 hour.
Final Touches:
If desired, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar using a fine sieve for a decorative finish.
By adhering to these detailed instructions, you will produce refined and delectable "Czech-Inspired Delight Cookies" that are sure to impress at any gathering.