Name: Cream Cheese Kolacky
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting); 1/2 cup fruit jam (apricot, raspberry, or your choice)

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These Cream Cheese Kolacky cookies are a beloved classic in holiday baking, known for their tender, buttery dough and delightful fruit jam centers. The cream cheese in the dough gives them a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any celebration. With their beautiful dusting of powdered sugar and vibrant fruit fillings, Cream Cheese Kolacky look as festive as they taste. They’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the charm of traditional holiday treats.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
1/2 cup fruit jam (apricot, raspberry, or your choice)

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut the dough into 2-inch squares and place a small dollop of fruit jam in the center of each square.
Fold opposite corners of each square over the filling, pressing lightly to seal.
Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool on a wire rack, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Kcal: 110 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies

Historical Background

Kolacky (also spelled Kolaczki or Kolach) has a long history in Central Europe, where it originated as a pastry filled with fruits or sweet cheese. The word “kolach” in many Slavic languages refers to a round pastry or cake, symbolizing warmth and comfort. Over the years, variations of this recipe have been passed down through generations, often taking on regional nuances. When European immigrants came to the United States, they brought with them this beloved recipe, adapting it over time to suit local ingredients and tastes. The addition of cream cheese to the dough is an American twist that adds a rich, smooth texture to the traditional recipe, making it softer and more tender.

Why This Recipe Is Special

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The cream cheese in the dough creates a buttery, rich base that pairs beautifully with the sweet-tartness of the fruit jam fillings. This balance of creamy and fruity flavors makes each bite delightful. The mild tanginess of the cream cheese complements the sweetness of the jam, creating a harmonious taste profile that doesn’t feel overly sweet.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Unlike many cookies that rely on a crisp bite, Cream Cheese Kolacky has a unique texture—soft, delicate, and almost melting in your mouth. The cream cheese enriches the dough, giving it a tenderness that is hard to find in other holiday cookies. This makes it a standout choice for those who appreciate more delicate, refined desserts.
Customizable Fillings: One of the best features of Cream Cheese Kolacky is its versatility when it comes to fillings. Traditional choices like apricot, raspberry, or poppy seed jam are popular, but you can get creative with modern variations like strawberry-rhubarb, lemon curd, or even Nutella for a different twist. This makes them ideal for adding a personal touch and tailoring to the preferences of your guests or family.
Beautiful Presentation: These cookies are not just delicious; they are visually stunning. Their folded-over design, with the bright fruit filling peeking through, makes them an attractive addition to any holiday cookie tray. Dusting the tops with powdered sugar adds a touch of snowy elegance that looks festive and inviting.

Healthier Than You Might Think

While Cream Cheese Kolacky are an indulgent treat, they do have a few redeeming qualities compared to other holiday cookies:

Controlled Sweetness: Because the dough itself is not overly sweet, much of the sweetness comes from the fillings, which can be adjusted to your liking. Using fruit preserves that are lower in added sugar can make this recipe a bit lighter while still retaining its fruity charm.
Quality Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients—flour, cream cheese, butter, and jam—you know exactly what’s going into your cookies. This makes it easy to use organic or high-quality ingredients for a more wholesome treat.
Portion Control: Kolacky are typically small, bite-sized cookies, making it easier to control portion sizes and enjoy them without overindulging. This can be a benefit for those looking to enjoy holiday treats in moderation.

Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Kolacky

Chill the Dough: This is a critical step that should not be skipped. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and shape. It also prevents the dough from spreading too much while baking, ensuring that the cookies hold their beautiful shape.
Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to add a generous amount of jam, overfilling can cause the jam to spill out during baking, creating a messy appearance. A small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) is usually enough for each cookie.
Use Parchment Paper: To ensure that the cookies don’t stick to the baking sheet and to make cleanup easier, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before baking. This also helps with even baking and prevents the bottoms from browning too much.
Powdered Sugar Finish: Allow the cookies to cool completely before dusting them with powdered sugar. This prevents the sugar from melting into the warm cookies and ensures a beautiful, snowy appearance that makes them look festive.

Why It’s the Best Choice for the Holidays

The holidays are all about tradition, warmth, and sharing delicious food with loved ones, and Cream Cheese Kolacky embodies all of these elements. Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, combined with the vibrant burst of fruity flavor, makes them an ideal treat for celebrating the season. They evoke a sense of nostalgia for many families, recalling childhood memories of baking in the kitchen with grandparents or parents.

Moreover, their delicate size makes them a perfect addition to a holiday cookie exchange or as a small treat to accompany a hot cup of tea or coffee. They are the kind of cookies that add a touch of elegance to any dessert spread and can be easily packed up as a homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or co-workers.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Kolacky is more than just a cookie; it’s a piece of heritage that has traveled across continents and generations. It brings a little bit of Old World charm to modern holiday celebrations, offering a balance of rich and light textures and flavors. Whether you are looking to recreate a family tradition, try something new, or simply enjoy a beautiful cookie with a cup of coffee, this recipe is sure to delight.

Its ease of preparation, versatility in fillings, and unique cream cheese-enriched dough make Cream Cheese Kolacky a must-have for holiday baking. They’re a true testament to the simple joys of baking and sharing, perfect for creating sweet memories around the holidays and beyond.