Easy Kolacky Christmas Recipe

There’s something truly magical about holiday baking, and this Easy Kolacky Christmas Recipe captures that festive spirit perfectly. These delightful cookies, with their tender, flaky layers and sweet jam filling, are a timeless treat that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at making kolacky for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kolacky cookies are a beautiful blend of simplicity and indulgence. With just a few ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that taste just as good—if not better—than the ones from your local bakery. Their light, buttery texture paired with a sweet fruit filling makes them an irresistible treat. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to personalize with your favorite flavors.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Electric mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Refrigerator
• Rolling pin
• Pizza wheel or sharp knife
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (12.5 ounce) can apricot fruit filling (such as Solo(R))
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar to the butter mixture and mix well.
3. Gradually beat in the flour until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
4. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
5. On a well-floured board, roll out the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thick.
6. Use a pizza wheel or sharp knife to cut the dough into 2 1/2 inch squares.
7. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of fruit filling into the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill.
8. Fold opposite corners of each square into the middle and pinch the dough together to seal. The filling should peek out slightly at each end.
9. Transfer the cookies to an ungreased baking sheet.
10. Bake in the preheated oven until the cookies are set but not brown, about 12 minutes.
11. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on racks. Once cooled, dust with the remaining powdered sugar.

Tips for Success

• Handle the dough minimally to maintain its flaky texture. Use cold hands or tools to prevent the dough from becoming too warm.
• A well-chilled dough is easier to roll out and cuts cleanly.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Try using different fruit fillings like raspberry or cherry for a variety of flavors.
• For an added nutty taste, consider a walnut filling by mixing ground walnuts with sugar and egg whites.
• To save time, use mini muffin pans to shape the cookies.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories, fats, carbohydrates, and protein content will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I prepare the dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight, making it perfect for planning ahead.

Q: What other fillings can I use?
A: You can use any fruit preserves or even a nut-based filling for a different flavor.

Conclusion

I hope this Easy Kolacky Christmas Recipe becomes a cherished part of your holiday baking traditions. These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones, and their delightful taste is sure to earn you rave reviews. Give them a try and feel free to share your experiences and any creative variations you come up with. Happy baking!