Polish Kolaczki Cookies

Flaky Eastern European cookies filled with jewel-toned fruit preserves. Delicate and buttery with a nostalgic holiday feel.​

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery and Flaky Texture: The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth pastry.​
• Versatile Fillings: Customize with your favorite jams or preserves, such as apricot, raspberry, or prune.​
• Elegant Appearance: Their distinctive folded shape and powdered sugar dusting make them a beautiful addition to any dessert table.​
• Perfect for Holidays: A traditional treat that adds a touch of nostalgia to festive gatherings.​
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared in advance, making holiday baking more manageable.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cream cheese​
• Butter​
• All-purpose flour​Little Sunny Kitchen+1Mom On Timeout+1
• Jam or fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, prune, etc.)​
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)​

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.​
2. Chill: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.​
3. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.​
4. Roll and Cut: On a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares.​Reddit
5. Fill and Fold: Place a small amount of jam or fruit preserve in the center of each square. Fold two opposite corners over the filling, overlapping slightly, and press to seal.​
6. Bake: Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.​
7. Cool and Dust: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 4 dozen cookies​
• Prep Time: 30 minutes​
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes​
• Chill Time: 1 hour​
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes​

Variations

• Nut Fillings: Use ground walnuts or almonds mixed with sugar for a different flavor profile.​
• Cheese Filling: Sweetened farmer’s cheese can be used as an alternative to fruit preserves.​
• Different Shapes: Instead of squares, cut dough into circles and fold over to create half-moon shapes.​
• Flavored Dough: Add a touch of vanilla or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.​
• Freezing: Unbaked, filled cookies can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.​
• Reheating: If desired, warm baked cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to refresh.​

FAQs

How do I prevent the cookies from opening during baking?

Ensure the dough is well-chilled and seal the folded corners firmly, possibly using a dab of water to help them stick.​Baker Bettie

Can I use regular jam for the filling?

Yes, but choose thick jams or preserves to prevent them from leaking during baking.​

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps maintain its shape and prevents spreading during baking.​Momsdish+1Mom On Timeout+1

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance.​

What if I don’t have a rolling pin?

A clean wine bottle or similar cylindrical object can serve as a substitute.​

Can I freeze baked Kolaczki?

Yes, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.​

How thick should I roll the dough?

Aim for a 1/4-inch thickness to achieve the ideal balance between flakiness and structure.​

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if necessary.​

Why is powdered sugar used for dusting?

It adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the visual appeal of the cookies.​

Are Kolaczki suitable for mailing?

Yes, they are sturdy enough to be shipped, especially if packed carefully to prevent movement.​

Conclusion

Polish Kolaczki Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration, offering a perfect blend of buttery pastry and sweet fruit filling. Their elegant appearance and rich history make them a cherished treat that brings warmth and tradition to your dessert table.​

Polish Kolaczki Cookies

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These Polish Kolaczki Cookies are delicate, flaky pastries made with a simple cream cheese dough and filled with colorful fruit preserves. A nostalgic Eastern European holiday cookie that’s buttery, beautiful, and dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: About 3 dozen cookies
• Category: Cookies, Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Polish, Eastern European
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam (apricot, raspberry, prune, or your favorite)

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.

2. Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares.

6. Place a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon) of jam in the center of each square.

7. Fold two opposite corners of the dough toward the center, overlapping slightly and pressing to seal.

8. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

9. Let cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

• Don’t overfill the cookies to prevent jam from leaking.

• Use thick fruit preserves for best results.

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.