Kolacky
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yields: Approximately 36 cookies
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, or prune are traditional choices)
- 1/2 cup ground nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Dough Preparation:
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Flour:
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed mixture, stirring until well combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Chill Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Assembly and Baking:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut into Squares:
- Cut the rolled-out dough into squares, approximately 2 inches by 2 inches.
- Add Filling:
- Place a small amount of fruit preserves in the center of each square. Sprinkle a pinch of ground nuts over the preserves.
- Fold and Seal:
- Fold opposite corners of each square towards the center, creating a pinwheel shape. Press the edges to seal.
- Repeat:
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
- Bake:
- Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool:
- Allow the Kolacky cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with Confectioners’ Sugar:
- Once cooled, dust the Kolacky with confectioners’ sugar for a finishing touch.
- Serve:
- Serve these delightful Kolacky cookies on a platter and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Note: Experiment with different fruit preserves and nuts for varied flavors. Store the Kolacky in an airtight container for up to a week. These cookies also freeze well for longer storage.
