If you want a unique and tasty treat, this Kolache Cookie Recipe is perfect for you. Originating from Central Europe, these cookies feature various sweet fillings and are loved by many families. The soft, buttery dough serves as a delightful base for an array of fillings, including fruit jams, cream cheese, or poppy seeds. In this article, we’ll walk you through making your own Kolache cookies at home, ensuring you’ll impress your guests.
Ingredients Required
To create these tasty cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Your choice of filling (fruit jams, cream cheese, or poppy seeds)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Steps for Preparation
Here’s how to make your Kolache cookies:
- Create the Dough: In a large bowl, blend the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is fluffy.
- Add Flour: Slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
- Prepare Filling: While chilling, prepare your filling. For fruit jams, choose options like apricot, raspberry, or cherry. For cream cheese filling, blend softened cream cheese with some sugar and vanilla.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet. Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or a spoon.
- Add Filling: Spoon your preferred filling into the indentation of each cookie, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Dust with Sugar: Optionally, sprinkle cooled cookies with powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Serving Ideas
Kolache cookies are perfect for any event. They’re a great addition to holiday trays, dessert spreads, or as a delightful treat with tea or coffee. Their adaptability allows you to try various fillings, making them enjoyable for everyone.
Storage Recommendations
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and fill them later, allowing for fresh cookies whenever you wish. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
With this Kolache Cookie Recipe, you’ll bake cookies that are not only scrumptious but also a lovely tribute to a traditional treat. Enjoy making and sharing these wonderful cookies with family and friends!