Kolaczki Cookies
There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked Kolaczki Cookies wafting through the kitchen. The moment you pull them from the oven, the warm scent of buttery dough mingles with fruity hints from the jam filling, making it hard to resist just one more. These delightful treats, with their delicate pastry and sweet, vibrant fillings, are not just a visual delight but a luscious bite of nostalgia. As a child, my grandmother would always prepare these cookies during the holidays, filling our home with love and laughter. She’d let me sprinkle powdered sugar on top, making them look even more festive. Now, I carry forward that tradition, sharing these special moments with my own family. Perfect for gatherings, or simply as a cozy afternoon treat, these Kolaczki Cookies are an inviting way to embrace the warmth of the season. So, let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip up these cookies in just 30 minutes, plus baking time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The cream cheese dough perfectly complements the sweet, fruity filling.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These cookies look elegant, making any buffet table pop with color.
- Flexible Serving: They’re great for breakfast, snacktime, or festive gatherings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap in your favorite fruit fillings to customize!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter ensures you control the saltiness of your dough, enhancing its rich flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese contributes to the dough’s creaminess, making it tender and flaky. Low-fat options can work but may alter the texture slightly.
- Vanilla or Almond Extract: Choose your favorite! Vanilla brings warmth, while almond offers a delightful twist.
- Salt: Just a half teaspoon balances the sweetness and emphasizes the flavors in your cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Spooned and leveled for accuracy, this is the backbone of your dough. Alternative flours can lead to different textures, so tread carefully!
- Fruit Jam: Strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam adds a luscious, fruity note. Solo Pastry filling is also a fantastic option for authentic flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: This is used for dusting before serving, lending a sweet finish to your cookies. You’ll also use it for rolling out the dough!
How to Make Kolaczki Cookies
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Beat them together on medium speed until creamy and smooth—this should take about 2 minutes. Once blended, add in your preferred extract, mixing just until incorporated. An aromatic touch is what makes these **Kolaczki Cookies** shine!
Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in ½ teaspoon of salt and 2 ¼ cups of flour, adding one cup at a time. Be gentle; scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined. You don’t want to overmix here—just blend until everything is incorporated and the dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a large sheet of plastic wrap, shaping it into a rough square, approximately 8 inches per side, and about ¼ inch thick. Once wrapped securely, place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chill time firms it up, making it easier to roll and shape.
Preheat and Line: After your dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and assists in cleaning up after all the cookie magic!
Roll and Cut: Dust your countertop with 1/8 cup of powdered sugar, which will add sweetness and prevent sticking. Unwrap the dough, place it on the sugary surface, and divide it in half. Keep one half refrigerated while you work with the other. Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thick, then trim the edges to create an even square. Cut this square into smaller 2½ inches by 2½ inches squares.
Fill and Fold: On each square, place ½ teaspoon of your chosen filling in the center. To fold, grab opposite corners of the square, moistening one corner with a dab of water before folding it over the filling. Then, take the other corner and overlap it, securing the filling inside. This method is not only cute but helps keep everything tucked in.
Bake and Cool: Place your filled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The delightful smell will fill your kitchen as they bake! Allow them to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Dust with Sugar: Once your **Kolaczki Cookies** are cooled, finish them off with a light dusting of powdered sugar, enhancing their sweet appeal and making them look extra special. They’re now ready to be enjoyed!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Kolaczki Cookies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks, but ensure you place them in a sealed container to prevent drying out. You can also freeze these cookies for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, just until warmed through. While freezing may change the texture slightly, refreshing them with a short bake brings back their delightful fluffiness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid handling the dough too much; it can get warmer and more challenging to roll out.
- Make sure cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature—this ensures easy mixing and optimal dough texture.
- If the dough seems too sticky, a light dusting of flour on your surface can help.
- Experiment with different fruit fillings; each variation can lead to a new favorite flavor combo!
- If you’re unsure about the folding technique, try placing them on parchment first and lightly shaping them before baking.
There’s something truly charming about baking Kolaczki Cookies in your kitchen. They bring together simple ingredients and traditions, making delightful memories with each batch. The rich, buttery flavor combined with your favorite fruit fills the air with sweetness and joy. You might even find yourself inviting friends over, just to share these incredible cookies and stories from your own family’s traditions. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and let the magic begin—these cookies are sure to become a beloved treat!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of jam for my Kolaczki?
Absolutely! While traditional recipes often call for apricot or strawberry jam, you can use any fruit filling you prefer. Raspberry, cherry, or even a mix of different jams can create unique flavor profiles. Just make sure the jam isn’t too runny to avoid soggy cookies!
What should I do if my dough feels too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, don’t worry! This can happen depending on humidity and how you measured your flour. You can add a sprinkle of flour while rolling it out, just be careful not to overdo it. If possible, chill the dough a bit longer to make it easier to handle.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to two days or freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to soften it slightly at room temperature before rolling it out.
How can I make my Kolaczki Cookies vegan?
You can create vegan Kolaczki Cookies by substituting vegan butter for the unsalted butter and using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
More Breakfast Recipes
- Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes
- Southern Fried Apples
- Mini Frittata Muffins with Dill
- Pumpkin Crisp
- Cheesy French Onion Scalloped Potatoes
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📖 Recipe Card
Kolaczki Cookies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish
Description
These Kolaczki Cookies feature a rich cream cheese dough with fruity jam filling, making them a delightful treat for gatherings or cozy afternoons. Easy to prepare, these cookies bring warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter
- Cream Cheese
- Vanilla or Almond Extract
- Salt
- All-Purpose Flour
- Fruit Jam
- Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the dough by mixing unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add salt and flour, mixing until combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough and cut into squares.
- Place jam in the center and fold to encase the filling.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes and cool on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Use different fruit jams to customize flavors.
Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
