Easy Kolacky Recipe

Indulge in a sweet treat that comes straight from Eastern European traditions with this Easy Kolacky Recipe. These delightful pastries are known for their flaky, buttery dough and sweet fruit fillings. Perfect for tea time or as a holiday treat, kolacky are not only delicious but also surprisingly simple to make at home. Let’s dive into this recipe and discover how you can create this classic dessert with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This kolacky recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

• Flaky Perfection: The dough is wonderfully flaky and tender, creating the ideal pastry texture.
• Versatile Fillings: Use your favorite fruit fillings or even a variety to suit all tastes.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to bakers of all levels.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Electric mixer
• Large bowl
• Refrigerator
• Floured board or surface
• Pizza wheel or sharp knife
• Baking sheet
• Cooling racks

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

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, place the cream cheese and butter. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually beat in 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar into the butter mixture.
3. Slowly incorporate the flour, mixing well until fully combined.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
5. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
6. On a well-floured board, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
7. Use a pizza wheel or sharp knife to cut the dough into 2 1/2 inch squares.
8. Spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of the apricot fruit filling into the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill.
9. Fold opposite corners of each square into the middle to encase the filling, pinching the dough together securely in the center.
10. Transfer the cookies to an ungreased baking sheet.
11. Bake the kolacky in the preheated oven until set but not browned, about 12 minutes.
12. Allow the kolacky to cool on racks. Once cooled, dust them with the remaining confectioners’ sugar.

Tips for Success

• Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it cool and flaky.
• Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and achieving the perfect texture.
• When cutting and folding the dough, work quickly to prevent it from warming up too much.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Try different fruit fillings like raspberry, cherry, or even a sweet cheese filling for variety.
• For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of colored sugar on top before baking.
• If you prefer a less sweet pastry, reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar dusted on top.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While exact nutrition may vary, here’s a general idea:

• Calories: Approximately 150
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I freeze the dough?

A: Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out.

Q: What other fillings can I use?

A: Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit jams or pie fillings.

Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?

A: Stored in an airtight container, kolacky will stay fresh for up to a week.

Conclusion

Now that you have the secrets to creating these delightful kolacky, it’s time to get baking! We hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious pastries as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your creations and any unique twists you add to the recipe in the comments below. Happy baking!