Kolacky Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Kolacky cookies are delightful pastries with a creamy, tender dough and a sweet fruit filling at the center. These traditional treats are perfect for sharing during holidays or enjoying with a cup of tea.

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 (Apricot, Raspberry, Cherry, etc.)
• Confectioners’ Sugar (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a stand mixer, combine cold butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and mix until the dough is well blended. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
3. Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a pastry cutter to cut the dough into squares.
4. Step 4: Place a small spoonful of fruit filling in the center of each square. If your filling has chunks, blend it smooth using a food processor before filling. Bring two opposite corners of each square together over the filling, overlapping them to seal. Add a bit of filling between the overlapping corners to help them stick.
5. Step 5: Arrange the cookies on the prepared sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Check halfway through baking and gently press any open corners back toward the center to keep cookies closed.
6. Step 6: Let the cookies cool completely on a rack, then dust them with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try using various fruit fillings like apricot, raspberry, or cherry. Blending chunky fillings ensures a smooth texture inside the cookie.
• If you prefer a slightly crunchier dough, chill the dough longer before rolling it out.
• To add a touch of zest, mix a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough.

Storage

Store Kolacky cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a warm oven to restore freshness, but avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade fruit jam instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, homemade fruit jam works well as a filling. Make sure it is not too runny to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.

Why do my Kolacky cookies sometimes open during baking?

Cookies may open if not sealed properly or if the dough is too warm. Press the corners firmly together and chill the dough before shaping to help maintain the shape during baking.

Kolacky Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

Kolacky Cookies are delightful Czech pastries featuring a tender cream cheese and butter dough filled with sweet fruit preserves. These pastries are beautifully folded and baked until golden, then dusted with confectioners’ sugar for a perfect balance of creamy, buttery dough and fruity sweetness.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Czech

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 8 oz Cream Cheese, cold
• 1 cup Cold Butter
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

Filling

• 12 oz Can of Fruit Pie Filling (Apricot, Raspberry, Cherry, etc.) – if chunky, blend smooth in a food processor

Topping

• Confectioners’ Sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a stand mixer, combine cold butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the all-purpose flour until the dough is well blended and smooth. Chill the dough for 1 hour to firm it up for easier handling.
2. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
3. Roll and cut dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a pastry cutter to cut the dough into squares of your preferred size.
4. Assemble cookies: Place a small spoonful of fruit filling in the center of each dough square. Fold two opposite corners towards the center, overlapping them. To secure the closure, dab a bit of filling between the folded corners so they stick together, ensuring the cookies stay closed during baking.
5. Bake: Arrange the assembled cookies on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. About halfway through baking, check that the cookies remain closed; gently press any that have opened back together.
6. Cool and finish: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks. Once cooled, dust the tops generously with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Notes

• If the fruit pie filling contains large chunks, blend it in a food processor until smooth for easier filling and better adhesion.
• Be sure to keep the butter and cream cheese cold before mixing to achieve a flaky, tender dough.
• Rolling the dough evenly to 1/8 inch thick ensures even baking and a delicate texture.
• Folding two opposite corners rather than all corners gives the traditional kolacky shape with a visible fruit center.
• Chilling the dough before rolling makes it easier to handle and helps maintain shape during baking.

Keywords: Kolacky, Kolachy, Czech cookies, Cream cheese dough, Fruit filled pastries, Traditional kolacky