There’s something immensely heartwarming about scaling back to the simple joys of life. Kolacky cookies evoke fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was filled with the sweet aroma of butter and fruit. These delightful treats carry the tales of generations, often served during family gatherings and festive occasions. Let me guide you through creating these lovely bites of nostalgia that are sure to add a sprinkle of joy to your day.
Why make this recipe
Baking Kolacky cookies is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about embracing a tradition that brings people together. Each square of dough cradling luscious fruit filling offers a bite-sized story. These cookies are versatile enough to suit any palate, making them a perfect addition to any dessert platter or holiday celebration. Plus, they are simple to assemble, inviting both seasoned bakers and novices alike to join in on the fun!
How to make Kolacky Cookies
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. — if it is chunky, blend smooth in a food processor)
- Confectioners’ Sugar (for topping)
Directions:
- In a stand mixer, combine the cold butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well blended.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, blending until the mixture forms a soft dough. Once mixed, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for one hour to help it firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until it’s about 1/8" thick. Using a pastry cutter, slice the dough into squares.
- Place a small amount of your chosen fruit filling in the center of each square. To create the delightful shape of Kolacky, gently bring two opposite corners of the square toward the center, overlapping them slightly. A tip I love: adding a dot of filling between the overlapping corners helps ensure they hold together beautifully.
- Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—if any seem to come undone during baking, simply press the corners back together.
- Once they’re a golden hue, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Just before serving, generously dust the cooled cookies with confectioners’ sugar for that dreamy finishing touch.
How to serve Kolacky Cookies
These charming treats shine best when served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee, enhancing every delectable bite. They’re also perfect for sharing at potlucks or holiday gatherings, sparking joy and conversation with each divine mouthful.
How to store Kolacky Cookies
To ensure freshness, store any leftover Kolacky cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but trust me, they’ll be devoured long before that! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them before serving!
Tips to make Kolacky Cookies
- For extra flavor, consider adding a hint of almond extract or lemon zest into the dough.
- Ensure your ingredients are cold before mixing for the best texture!
- Experiment with different fruit fillings to find the combination everyone loves, but do try to stick to smooth fillings for that traditional touch.
Variations
Feel free to get creative! Try using nut fillings or even chocolate ganache for a delightful fusion twist. Why not mix and match your favorite fruits? The options are endless.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade fruit filling instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade fruit filling can add a personal touch to your cookies and amplify their flavor. Just ensure it’s smooth and not overly chunky for better results.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on the edges of the cookies; they should be a light golden brown. If the tops are still pale, give them a minute or two more but be careful not to overbake.
Q: Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the dough a day ahead and chill it in the fridge. Once baked, they remain fresh for up to a week, making them an excellent choice for prepping desserts in advance!
Creating Kolacky cookies is about more than just following a recipe; it’s about weaving sweet memories and sharing warmth. So roll up your sleeves, grab your loved ones, and let the laughter and delicious aromas fill your home. These little delights will surely bring a smile to anyone who savors them — one sugary bite at a time!
Kolacky Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a stand mixer, combine the cold butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well blended.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, blending until the mixture forms a soft dough.
- Once mixed, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
- Using a pastry cutter, slice the dough into squares.
- Place a small amount of your chosen fruit filling in the center of each square.
- Gently bring two opposite corners of the square toward the center, overlapping them slightly.
- Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven once golden and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- Dust the cooled cookies with confectioners' sugar before serving.