You’ve stumbled upon the ultimate kolacky recipe that promises to deliver flaky, buttery pastries filled with your favorite jam. Perfect for holidays, tea time, or when you’re just in the mood for something sweet.
Why This Recipe Works
- The dough is incredibly versatile, allowing for both sweet and savory fillings.
- Using cream cheese in the dough ensures a tender, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
- This recipe includes a foolproof method for shaping kolacky that even beginners can master.
- The baking temperature and time are optimized to achieve golden edges without drying out the pastries.
- It’s a make-ahead friendly recipe, so you can prepare the dough in advance and bake when ready.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup your favorite jam or preserves
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter or glass
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes on medium speed. The key here is to ensure both ingredients are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour, sugar, and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough dough, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts, flatten into disks, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut into 2-inch circles. Place the circles on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 5: Fill and Shape the Kolacky
Place a teaspoon of jam in the center of each circle. Fold two opposite sides towards the center, slightly overlapping, and pinch to seal. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips and Tricks
For the flakiest kolacky, make sure all your ingredients are cold before you start. If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Experiment with different fillings like poppy seed, nutella, or even savory options like cheese. To prevent the jam from leaking, avoid overfilling and ensure the edges are well sealed. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish but do it while the pastries are still slightly warm for the best adherence.
Recipe Variations
- Try using different jams or preserves for a variety of flavors. Apricot, raspberry, and blueberry are all excellent choices.
- For a citrus twist, add some lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- Make mini kolacky by cutting the dough into smaller circles, perfect for parties.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top before baking.
- Experiment with savory fillings like pesto and cheese for an unexpected twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze kolacky?
Absolutely! Kolacky freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Why did my kolacky spread too much?
This usually happens if the dough wasn’t chilled enough or if the butter was too soft. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting, and don’t skip the refrigeration step.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Margarine may alter the taste and how the dough holds up during baking.
Summary
This kolacky recipe is your ticket to delicious, flaky pastries that are perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be whipping up batches of these treats in no time. Don’t forget to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make them your own!