The Happiest Kolaczki Recipe for Sweet Holiday Smiles

Sweet memories of childhood bakeries flood my mind when I think about these delightful kolaczki pastries that melt softly on your tongue.

Polish grandmothers have carefully guarded these delicate recipes for generations.

Soft cream cheese dough wraps around fruity fillings with remarkable tenderness.

Subtle powdered sugar creates a gentle blanket across each perfect bite.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these treats irresistible for weekend gatherings.

Small cookies packed with rich flavor connect us to cherished culinary traditions.

I promise this simple recipe will become your new favorite dessert sensation.

Guidelines to Store Kolaczki Delight Properly

• Store cooled kolaczki in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent filling from spoiling.
• Wrap individual kolaczki tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle fresh powdered sugar after reheating to restore original look and taste.
• Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Best consumed within 48 hours for optimal texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kolaczki Delight

• What are kolaczki?

Kolaczki are traditional Polish pastry cookies filled with sweet fruit preserves, often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.

• Can I use different fillings?

Yes, you can use various fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or prune, or try nut-based fillings like poppy seed or almond.

• How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Ensure the edges are well-pinched and sealed when folding the corners, and don’t overfill the center with preserves.

• Why should I refrigerate the dough?

Chilling helps the dough become firmer, making it easier to roll out and preventing excessive spreading during baking.

Why Kolaczki Delight Is a Sweet Treat to Savor

• Master Simplicity: Crafting these Polish cookies requires basic kitchen skills, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Customize Your Treat: Swap different fruit preserves to create unique flavor combinations that match personal taste preferences or seasonal availability.
• Quick Family Bonding: Enjoy a delightful baking experience that brings everyone together, from rolling dough to filling and folding these delicate pastries.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or weekend treats that will impress friends and family with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed to Make Kolaczki Delight

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and delicious flavor to the cookies.
• Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and a tangy richness to the kolaczki dough.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting the cookies, adding a delicate sweet finish.

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structural component that helps bind the cookie dough together.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aromatic flavor to the cookie dough.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Fruit Preserves: Provides a sweet, fruity center that gives the kolaczki its traditional character.

How to Prepare Kolaczki Delight Stepwise

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your oven by setting the temperature to 350F (175C). This will ensure the perfect baking environment for your delicate cookies.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light and airy, creating a smooth and fluffy mixture.

Step 3: Enhance the Flavor Profile

Add vanilla extract and salt to the creamy mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are perfectly combined and the flavor is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture, stirring until a soft, pliable dough forms. The consistency should be smooth and easy to handle.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion carefully in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Let the dough rest and firm up for at least one hour.

Step 6: Prepare the Work Surface

Sprinkle a clean surface generously with flour to prevent sticking. Roll out the chilled dough until it reaches approximately 1/8 inch thickness.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Cut the rolled dough into neat 3-inch squares, creating the perfect base for your kolaczki.

Step 8: Add Fruity Filling

Place a small dollop of fruit preserves right in the center of each dough square.

Step 9: Create Signature Folds

Gently fold the corners of each square towards the center, pinching them together to create a secure seal around the fruity filling.

Step 10: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the shaped kolaczki on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space between them.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a light golden color that signals they’re perfectly done.

Step 12: Final Touch

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust the tops with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar, adding a sweet finishing touch to your delightful kolaczki.

Tips and Tricks for Kolaczki Delight Success

• Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure easier handling and prevent spreading during baking.
• Use high-quality fruit preserves with thick consistency to prevent leaking while cooking.
• Experiment with different preserves like apricot, raspberry, or prune for unique flavor variations.
• Dust kolaczki with powdered sugar only after they've cooled completely to maintain a clean, elegant appearance.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and rice flour to maintain delicate texture.

Fun Variations to Try with Kolaczki Delight

• Nutty Kolaczki: Incorporate finely chopped almonds or walnuts into the dough for a crunchy texture and rich flavor. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Swirl Kolaczki: Replace fruit preserves with chocolate spread or Nutella. Add cocoa powder to the dough for a deeper chocolate profile.
• Savory Herb Kolaczki: Mix dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough. Fill with soft goat cheese or cream cheese blended with herbs for a savory version.
• Citrus Burst Kolaczki: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough. Use citrus marmalade or lemon curd as the filling for a bright, tangy taste.

Pairings That Enhance Kolaczki Delight

• Pair with Sparkling Wine: Choose a crisp, light prosecco or champagne to complement the delicate sweetness of the kolaczki, cutting through the buttery richness.
• Match with Fruit Tea: Brew a warm raspberry or berry-infused herbal tea that echoes the fruit preserve flavors and provides a gentle, aromatic contrast.
• Serve with Vanilla Cream: Prepare a small dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream on the side, enhancing the cookie's delicate texture and adding a creamy counterpoint.
• Enjoy with Coffee: Select a smooth medium-roast coffee with subtle caramel notes that will highlight the cookie's subtle sweetness and buttery undertones.

Kolaczki Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Polish kolaczki delight brings sweet nostalgia with delicate pastry pockets filled with luscious fruit preserves. Generations of family memories fold into each tender, buttery cookie that melts perfectly with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) cream cheese
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt

Filling and Topping:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fruit preserves
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal baking.
2. Create a smooth, airy base by thoroughly blending butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture achieves a light, creamy consistency.
3. Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating vanilla extract and salt, mixing until ingredients are perfectly integrated.
4. Gradually introduce flour to the mixture, gently folding until a cohesive dough emerges.
5. Partition the dough into two equal portions, carefully encase in plastic wrap, and allow to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes to develop texture.
6. Transform a clean work surface by dusting with flour, then carefully roll out the chilled dough to a delicate 1/8-inch thickness.
7. Precision-cut the dough into uniform 3-inch squares, maintaining consistent size for even baking.
8. Strategically place a dollop of fruit preserves at the center of each square, selecting your preferred flavor.
9. Elegantly fold each square’s corners toward the center, creating a delicate pinwheel shape and sealing the preserves within.
10. Arrange the shaped kolaczki on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring gentle spacing between each pastry.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn a delicate golden hue, indicating perfect doneness.
12. Immediately transfer from the oven and allow a brief cooling period before gracefully dusting with a light veil of powdered sugar.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain crisp edges during baking.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, more consistent dough texture.
• Experiment with different fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or plum for unique flavor variations.
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to keep the delicate coating fresh and visually appealing.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 138 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg