Kolache Cookies
Any time there’s a gathering, you want something really special to serve. Cakes are great, but in many families, cookies are the star of the show. They’re certainly easier to serve than cakes and require no utensils to enjoy, making them ideal for family get-togethers with lots of people.
These Polish kolache cookies are a staple dessert in many areas. This cookie has been spelled different ways, but the pronunciation is “co-watch-key” in Poland and “co-latch-y” in the US. However, you say it or spell the name, these cookies are simply divine.
They have a rich cookie dough base that’s not sweet. This is countered with a dollop of sweet jam or preserves in the middle. Together, they make the ideal combination, and I can speak from experience here that one is never enough of these fabulous cookies.
The base recipe only has six ingredients, making it super simple to buy for and to prepare. The only bother about these cookies is that you have to chill the dough before you can make work them into shape.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kolache cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. They offer a perfect balance of buttery, flaky pastry and sweet, fruity jam. Once you try them, they might just become your go-to treat for gatherings.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl or food processor
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or jelly roll pan
- Pastry cutter or knife
- Sieve (for dusting with powdered sugar, optional)
Ingredients
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 stick salted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for flouring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons jam of choice
- Powdered sugar for dusting, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine cream cheese, butter, flour, vanilla, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth. Alternatively, pulse in a food processor. Roll into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight. The dough will be very soft.
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Sprinkle flour on a work surface. Divide the dough in half. Place one half back into the refrigerator. Roll out the first half to 1/4” thickness. Cut into about 12 squares, each roughly 2 1/2 inches square. Re-form the dough and re-roll as needed.
- Place squares on a lined jelly roll pan. Place a dollop of jam in the center of each square. Fold over two corners to meet in the middle. Repeat for remaining dough and jam, using as many flavors of jam or preserves as you wish. Re-roll any spare dough into new squares.
- Bake each sheet of cookies for 15-18 minutes. Allow cookies to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing them to cool completely for 1 hour. Optional: sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar using a sieve before serving.
Tips for Success
Ensure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to blend smoothly. Chilling the dough is crucial for easy rolling and shaping. Don’t skip this step!
Additional Tips and Variations
Experiment with different jams or even nut butters for a unique twist. For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts over the jam before baking.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each cookie is approximately 120 calories, with 6 grams of fat and 2 grams of sugar. Nutritional values will vary based on the type of jam used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use unsalted butter? Yes, but you may want to add a pinch of salt to the dough.
How long do these cookies stay fresh? Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Conclusion
These kolache cookies are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering, and don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out.
