Kolacky are a delightful treat that brings the essence of Eastern European baking to your kitchen. These traditional cookies are buttery, flaky, and filled with your choice of fruit or sweet pastry filling. Whether for holidays or special gatherings, Kolacky are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
Pastry filling of choice (apricot, raspberry, poppy seed, etc.)
2 (3 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions:
Prepare the Dough: Begin by allowing the butter and cream cheese to come to room temperature. In a large bowl, blend them together until smooth. Gradually add the flour, mixing with your hands as the dough becomes thick. Once fully combined, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step ensures the dough is easier to handle and creates a flakier texture.
Roll and Cut the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares, which will form the base of your cookies.
Assemble the Kolacky: Place a small amount of your chosen filling diagonally in the center of each square. Fold two opposite corners of the dough over the filling, pinching them together lightly to seal. This classic shape not only looks charming but helps to contain the filling during baking.
Bake: Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and a classic, elegant finish.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Kolacky can be served on a decorative platter or in a cookie tin for a festive touch. The powdered sugar dusting adds a lovely finishing touch and makes them look elegant for any occasion.
Accompaniments: These cookies pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They can also be served alongside other traditional Eastern European desserts for a themed treat platter.
Temperature: Kolacky are delicious either at room temperature or slightly chilled. If they’ve been stored in the refrigerator, let them sit out for a few minutes to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Storage Tips:
Short-Term Storage: Store Kolacky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep the cookies fresh and maintain their flaky texture.
Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, Kolacky can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen Kolacky at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, you can gently reheat them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
Avoid Moisture: Keep the cookies away from moisture to prevent them from becoming soggy. Ensure the container or bag is sealed properly to maintain their crispiness.
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FAQs:
Can I use different types of fillings for Kolacky?
Yes! Kolacky are incredibly versatile and can be filled with a variety of sweet fillings. Traditional options include apricot, raspberry, and poppy seed, but you can also experiment with other fruit preserves, chocolate spreads, or even cream cheese fillings. Just ensure the filling is not too runny to avoid leaks during baking.
How can I make Kolacky ahead of time?
Kolacky can be prepared in advance and stored for later. After baking and cooling, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them as described in the storage tips. You can also freeze the unbaked filled cookies. Simply assemble them, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
My Kolacky turned out a bit dry. What could be the problem?
Dry Kolacky can result from a few factors: overmixing the dough, overbaking, or using too much flour. Ensure you mix the dough just until combined and avoid rolling it too thin. Also, keep an eye on the baking time and remove the cookies as soon as the bottoms are golden brown to prevent overbaking.
How do I keep Kolacky from sticking to the baking sheet?
To prevent Kolacky from sticking, use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on your baking sheet. These surfaces help to ensure the cookies bake evenly and release easily. Additionally, make sure the dough is well-chilled before baking, as a chilled dough is less likely to stick or spread excessively.
Conclusion:
Kolacky are perfect for festive occasions or as a special treat any time of year. Their buttery flavor and sweet filling make them a timeless favorite in Eastern European cuisine. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cookies with family and friends!
📖 Recipe:
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Kolacky
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kolacky are traditional Eastern European cookies known for their buttery, flaky texture and delicious fruit or sweet pastry filling. Perfect for holidays or special gatherings, these charming treats are dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance. Easy to make and delightful to eat, Kolacky are a timeless favorite in Eastern European cuisine.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
2 (3 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
Pastry filling of choice (apricot, raspberry, poppy seed, etc.)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Allow the butter and cream cheese to come to room temperature. Blend them together in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add the flour, mixing with your hands until the dough is fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares.
- Assemble the Kolacky: Place a small amount of filling in the center of each square. Fold two opposite corners over the filling and pinch to seal.
- Bake: Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Cool and Dust: Cool completely on a wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Ensure butter and cream cheese are fully softened for a smooth dough.
Experiment with different fillings to suit your taste.
If freezing unbaked cookies, assemble and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
