There's something truly magical about a classic cookie recipe, and Polish Kolaczki (pronounced koh-LAHCH-kee) are no exception. These delicate, tender, and impossibly flaky cream cheese cookies, often filled with sweet fruit jam, are a beloved tradition in Polish households, especially around the holidays. If you've never had the pleasure of tasting them, prepare to fall in love!
Originating from the rich Polish culinary heritage, Kolaczki are more than just a treat; they're a symbol of comfort, family, and celebration. While they might look intricate, don't be intimidated! Our easy Kolaczki recipe breaks down the process, making these delightful cookies accessible to every home baker.
What Makes Kolaczki So Special?
The secret to Kolaczki's irresistible charm lies in its unique dough. Made with just a few simple ingredients—butter, cream cheese, and flour—it creates a pastry that is both rich and surprisingly light. The cream cheese not only adds a wonderful tang but also contributes to the dough's tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Paired with a spoonful of your favorite fruit jam, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and slightly tart flavors. They're elegant enough for a special occasion yet simple enough to whip up for an afternoon treat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples.
- Delicate Texture: Flaky, tender, and oh-so-buttery.
- Versatile Fillings: Customize with your favorite jams and preserves.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at any gathering or holiday party.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Kolaczki
Making Kolaczki doesn't require a long list of exotic items. Here's a quick look at the stars of this recipe:
- Unsalted Butter: Ensures richness and a flaky texture. Make sure it's softened for easy creaming.
- Cream Cheese: The true hero! Softened cream cheese gives the dough its signature tenderness and a slight tangy note.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure of our cookie.
- Almond Extract: Adds a beautiful, subtle flavor that complements the cream cheese and jam. You can experiment with vanilla or lemon extract too.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Thick Jam/Preserves: The filling! Raspberry, apricot, and prune are traditional favorites. A thicker jam works best to prevent leaking.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting the finished cookies, adding a final touch of sweetness and elegance.
Tips for Kolaczki Success
Even with an easy recipe, a few insider tips can elevate your Kolaczki from good to absolutely outstanding:
Chill Your Dough Properly
This step is crucial! Chilling the dough makes it much easier to handle, preventing it from sticking and ensuring your cookies hold their shape beautifully during baking. Don't rush it; a minimum of 2 hours, or even overnight, is ideal.
Choose Your Jam Wisely
As mentioned, a thick jam is your best friend here. If your jam seems a bit runny, you can gently warm it in a saucepan and stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little water) to thicken it. Let it cool completely before using.
Don't Overwork the Dough
Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. We want tender and flaky!
Flour Your Surfaces
Keep your rolling pin and work surface lightly floured to prevent sticking. But remember, a light dusting is key—too much flour can dry out the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Kolaczki are perfect on their own, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea. They make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters, potlucks, or as a delightful homemade gift. They're also an excellent treat for a brunch spread or an afternoon snack. The powdered sugar dusting not only adds sweetness but also a lovely presentation.
Get the Full Kolaczki Recipe!
Ready to bake a batch of these exquisite Polish cream cheese jam cookies? Below, you'll find the complete, detailed recipe. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to impress your taste buds and loved ones with these delightful homemade Kolaczki!
FAQs
What are Kolaczki (Polish Cream Cheese Jam Cookies)?
Kolaczki are traditional Polish cookies made from a rich, tender cream cheese dough, typically filled with fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or prune. They are known for their delicate, flaky texture and sweet, tangy flavor, often enjoyed during holidays or special gatherings.
What kind of jam is best for Kolaczki?
For Kolaczki, it's best to use a thick, good-quality jam or fruit preserve that won't run excessively during baking. Traditional choices include raspberry, apricot, and prune (lekvar). Avoid overly watery jams, as they can make the cookies soggy or leak out.
Can I make Kolaczki dough ahead of time?
Yes, Kolaczki dough is excellent for making ahead! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, the dough can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
How should I store Kolaczki cookies?
Once baked and cooled, Kolaczki cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If you've used a fresh fruit filling, consider refrigerating them. They also freeze well for up to 2-3 months; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Kolaczki (Polish Cream Cheese Jam Cookies)
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate Polish cream cheese cookies, often filled with sweet fruit jam, perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon almond extract (other flavor extracts can be used)
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons thick jam (such as Bonne Maman Raspberry jam or Apricot preserves)
Water (to seal pastry dough)
Powdered sugar (for rolling dough and dusting on finished cookies)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and softened cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the almond extract and salt.
Step 2: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix. Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean work surface and your rolling pin. Take one disk of chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough out to about ⅛-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
Step 4: Place about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of your chosen thick jam in the center of each dough square. Fold two opposite corners of the dough over the jam, pinching them together firmly to seal. You can also dab a tiny bit of water on the corners before pinching to help them stick. Arrange the shaped cookies about 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should still be soft in the center. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Once cooled, generously dust the Kolaczki with powdered sugar before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
For best results, ensure your butter and cream cheese are at proper room temperature. Don't skimp on chilling the dough—it makes a huge difference in handling. You can experiment with different thick jams like apricot, prune (lekvar), or even a citrus curd.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Leave a Reply