Easy Kolacky Christmas Recipe
Introduction
Buttery, delicate, and filled with sweet fruit preserves, Kolacky are a classic Christmas cookie that looks beautiful on a holiday dessert tray. These traditional-inspired pastries have a tender, lightly sweet dough that’s folded around your favorite jam or preserves and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re simple to make and perfect for sharing during the holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Buttery and tender texture
– Easy homemade dough
– Filled with your favorite preserves
– Beautiful addition to a Christmas cookie platter
– Perfect for gifting
– Can be prepared ahead of time
Ingredients
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup fruit preserves or thick jam
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
2. Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions and flatten each into a disk. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
3. Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into approximately 2-inch squares or use a small cookie cutter.
4. Add the Filling
Place a small teaspoon of fruit preserves in the center of each piece of dough. Don’t overfill, as the jam can spread during baking.
Fold two opposite corners toward the center and gently press them together. If needed, use a tiny dab of water to help seal the corners.
5. Bake
Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Cool and Dust
Let the kolacky cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, generously dust with powdered sugar.
Tips for the Best Kolacky
– Keep the dough chilled while working with it.
– Use thick preserves rather than runny jam to prevent leaking.
– Don’t overfill the cookies.
– Avoid adding too much flour when rolling the dough.
– Let the cookies cool completely before adding powdered sugar.
– Raspberry, apricot, strawberry, and prune preserves all work beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange Kolacky on a Christmas cookie platter alongside gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or chocolate treats. They also make wonderful homemade holiday gifts when packed in decorative tins or small gift boxes.
Storage
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe container, placing parchment paper between layers.
Conclusion
These Easy Kolacky Christmas Cookies are a delicious holiday classic with a tender cream cheese dough, sweet fruit filling, and delicate powdered sugar finish. They’re easy enough for holiday baking and special enough to become a favorite Christmas tradition.