Kolacky Cookies Recipe | Great for Gatherings
Short introduction
Kolacky cookies are delightful pastries filled with sweet fruit preserves. Originating from Central and Eastern Europe, these treats are beloved for their tender texture and lovely flavors. Whether enjoyed during holidays or special occasions, Kolacky cookies make a perfect addition to any dessert table.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love Kolacky cookies for several reasons. First, they are simple to make, requiring only a few key ingredients. Second, the versatility of flavors allows you to use your favorite fruit filling, from apricot to cherry. Finally, with their flaky and buttery texture, they are sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Cold Butter
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 12 oz Can of Fruit Pie Filling (choose from Apricot, Raspberry, Cherry, etc. If chunky, blend smooth in a food processor)
- Confectioners’ Sugar (for topping)
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can use mascarpone cheese for a similar texture. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Experiment with different fruit fillings or even experiment with chocolate or nut fillings for variations.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing together cold butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract in a stand mixer. Once the mixture is creamy, slowly add in the flour until well blended. After everything is combined, let the dough chill in the refrigerator for about one hour.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use a pastry cutter to slice the dough into squares.
Step 3: Fill and Shape
Take a small amount of the fruit filling and place it in the center of each square. Carefully fold the corners of the square over the filling to meet in the middle, overlapping them slightly. To ensure the cookies stay closed during baking, you can place a bit more filling between the overlapping corners.
Step 4: Bake
Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 12-15 minutes. Check the cookies halfway through to make sure they remain shut. If any have opened, gently press the corners back into place. After they are done, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooled, sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Success tips
- Make sure your butter is cold; this will help achieve the flaky texture of the cookies.
- Keep an eye on the cookies during baking; if they start to open, gently press them back closed to maintain their shape.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before adding powdered sugar to prevent it from melting.
How to serve
Serve Kolacky cookies as a delightful dessert at any gathering. They are perfect for holiday celebrations, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat after meals. Pair them with coffee or tea to enhance the experience.
Storage & reheating
To store Kolacky cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make Kolacky cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking, or freeze the cookies after baking for later use.
Q2: What type of fruit filling works best?
A: Any fruit pie filling works well, but common choices include apricot, cherry, or raspberry. Feel free to experiment with seasonal fruits too!
Q3: How can I get my Kolacky cookies to keep their shape?
A: Make sure to chill the dough before rolling and filling, and ensure the corners are securely pressed when folded.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
Kolacky cookies can be a treat characterized by their buttery sweetness. A single cookie typically contains around 100-150 calories, depending on the size and filling used.
Conclusion
Kolacky cookies are a classic and charming addition to any cookie platter. They’re easy to make, delightful to eat, and sure to please a crowd. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed!
Links to related recipes
Kolacky Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Use mascarpone cheese as a substitute if needed.
- 1 cup Cold Butter Make sure the butter is cold for a flaky texture.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
Filling and Topping
- 12 oz Can of Fruit Pie Filling Choose from Apricot, Raspberry, Cherry, etc.
- Confectioners' Sugar For topping the cookies.
Instructions
Preparation
- Mix together cold butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract in a stand mixer until creamy. Slowly add in the flour until well blended. Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for about one hour.
Rolling and Cutting
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Slice the dough into squares using a pastry cutter.
Filling and Shaping
- Place a small amount of the fruit filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the square over the filling to meet in the middle, slightly overlapping them.
- Place a bit more filling between the overlapping corners to secure the cookies during baking.
Baking
- Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Check halfway through and gently press any opened corners back into place. Transfer to a cooling rack once finished.
Serving
- Once cooled, sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.