Kolaczki (Polish Cookies) Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances buttery, tender dough with luscious fruit filling, the Kolaczki (Polish Cookies) Recipe is your new best friend. These charming little cookies have been a beloved staple in Polish households for generations, cherished for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and the sweet burst of preserves inside. Whether serving them at holiday gatherings or enjoying a cozy afternoon tea, these kolaczki bring warmth, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor to every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Kolaczki (Polish Cookies) Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of quality ingredients, each plays a crucial role in building the cookie’s soft, flaky texture and rich taste that complements any jam you choose to fill them with.

• Unsalted butter, 1 cup, softened: The backbone of tender, flaky dough, butter adds richness and depth to the cookies.
• Cream cheese, 8 oz, softened: Working with butter to create an ultra-soft dough that practically melts in your mouth.
• All-purpose flour, 2 cups: Provides structure and just the right amount of firmness to hold the fillings.
• Powdered sugar, 1/4 cup (for dusting): Adds a delicate, snowy finish that’s both beautiful and sweet.
• Fruit preserves, 1/2 cup (apricot, raspberry, or prune): The star flavor inside each cookie, offering a burst of tangy sweetness.
• Vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon (optional): Enhances the dough’s flavor with a subtle aromatic note.
• Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the other flavors in the dough.

How to Make Kolaczki (Polish Cookies) Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Start by combining the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Beat them together until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is essential as it builds the soft foundation that makes these cookies so tender and irresistible.

Step 2: Add Flavor Enhancers

Next, mix in the vanilla extract if you’re using it, along with a pinch of salt. The vanilla lends a delicate warmth while the salt balances the richness, ensuring your kolaczki will have a well-rounded flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Slowly add the all-purpose flour to your butter and cream cheese mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix because you want to keep the dough tender, not tough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a flat disk. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into perfect shapes later.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

Take one chilled dough disk and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 2×2-inch squares. This size ensures the cookies bake perfectly with a crisp edge and ample center space for filling.

Step 7: Add the Fruit Filling

Place a small spoonful of your chosen fruit preserves in the center of each square. Be mindful not to overfill, so the jam doesn’t leak out during baking.

Step 8: Fold and Seal

Gently fold two opposite corners of each square into the center to cover the filling. Press the seams firmly to seal; a tiny dab of water can help the dough stick better.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Arrange the kolaczki on your baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a lovely golden color. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake and dry out.

Step 10: Cool and Dust

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. After cooling, dust them generously with powdered sugar for that classic finish that is as pretty as it is delicious.

How to Serve Kolaczki (Polish Cookies) Recipe

Garnishes

For an eye-catching and tasty touch, try sprinkling extra powdered sugar right before serving, or lightly drizzle melted white chocolate over the top. You can also add a tiny dollop of fresh preserves or a delicate mint leaf to each cookie for an elegant presentation.

Side Dishes

Kolaczki cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon breaks or dessert plates. Serve alongside fresh fruit or a light ricotta mousse to elevate your snack or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your kolaczki on a rustic wooden board or a colorful serving plate to bring a festive feel to your table. You can stack them in little towers tied with ribbon for gift-giving or sprinkle edible flowers around to impress guests at any special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover kolaczki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed prevents the cookies from drying out, ensuring they stay soft and flavorful.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, perfect for making a batch ahead of time for unexpected guests or holidays.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or stored kolaczki, warm them gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. This will revive their buttery softness without melting the filling, making them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of fruit preserves in this Kolaczki (Polish Cookies) Recipe?

Absolutely! Apricot, raspberry, prune, or even cherry preserves work beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorite jams to customize the flavor to your liking.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before rolling?

Yes, chilling helps the dough firm up, making it much easier to roll out thinly and cut cleanly. It also prevents the butter from melting too quickly during baking, which keeps the cookies tender.

Can I make kolaczki gluten-free?

While the traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend is suited for baking, and you might need to adjust the amount slightly for the dough consistency.

How do I prevent my kolaczki from spreading too much in the oven?

Using well-chilled dough and making sure the dough is not too thin helps retain the shape. Also, don’t overfill the centers, as excess jam can cause spreading during baking.

Can I store these cookies in the refrigerator?

It’s best to store kolaczki at room temperature in an airtight container. Refrigeration can dry them out unless they’re wrapped tightly, but if your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigeration might be necessary for preservation.

Final Thoughts

Making this Kolaczki (Polish Cookies) Recipe is like inviting a slice of Polish tradition into your kitchen, and every bite tells a story of warmth and sweetness. They are surprisingly simple to make yet impressive in taste and appearance. I encourage you to give these cookies a try—you might just find yourself reaching for another one minutes after the first!

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