Easy Kolacky cookies are delicate, buttery pastries filled with sweet fruit jam and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar. These traditional Eastern European treats have a soft, flaky texture that melts in your mouth, making them perfect for holidays, tea parties, or anytime you want a simple homemade dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The dough uses only a few simple ingredients.
• These cookies are soft, flaky, and rich without being overly sweet.
• You can customize the filling with your favorite fruit preserves.
• They look elegant but are surprisingly easy to make.
• Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or afternoon coffee.
• The dough can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 3/4 cup raspberry jam
• 3/4 cup apricot preserves

For finishing:

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the flour and salt gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
3. Shape the dough into a flat disc and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
6. Cut the dough into 2 1/2-inch squares using a knife or pastry cutter.
7. Place about 1 teaspoon of jam in the center of each square. Do not overfill or the jam may leak during baking.
8. Fold two opposite corners of the dough toward the center and gently press them together to seal.
9. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each one.
10. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow the kolacky to cool for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
12. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Use strawberry, cherry, blueberry, or peach preserves instead of raspberry or apricot.
• Add finely chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture.
• Mix a little lemon zest into the dough for a fresh citrus flavor.
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a warm spiced finish.
• Fill the cookies with sweet cream cheese for a richer dessert option.

Storage/Reheating

Store kolacky cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can warm them slightly in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes if desired.

FAQs

What is Kolacky?

Kolacky are traditional Eastern European pastries made with soft cream cheese dough and filled with fruit preserves or sweet fillings.

Why does the dough need chilling?

Chilling helps firm the butter and cream cheese, making the dough easier to roll and helping the cookies keep their shape.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.

Why are my kolacky opening while baking?

Too much flour on the dough or not pressing the corners firmly enough can cause them to unfold.

What fillings work best?

Thick jams and preserves work best because thinner fillings may leak during baking.

Can I freeze unbaked kolacky?

Yes, shape the cookies first, freeze them on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag until ready to bake.

Do I need to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese gives the dough its signature soft and flaky texture, so it is highly recommended.

How do I keep the cookies flaky?

Avoid overmixing the dough and keep it chilled before baking.

Can I use homemade jam?

Yes, homemade jam works wonderfully as long as it is thick enough.

Are kolacky served warm or cold?

They can be enjoyed either way, but many people prefer them slightly warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Easy Kolacky cookies are a timeless dessert that combines rich cream cheese dough with sweet fruit filling for a truly irresistible treat. Their delicate texture and simple preparation make them a favorite for holidays, celebrations, or everyday baking. Once you try these buttery pastries, they are sure to become a regular part of your dessert collection.

Easy Kolacky

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• Author: Yusra
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Easy Kolacky cookies are soft and flaky Eastern European pastries made with buttery cream cheese dough and filled with sweet fruit preserves, then finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup raspberry jam
• 3/4 cup apricot preserves
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
3. Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Lightly flour a work surface and roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
6. Cut the dough into 2 1/2-inch squares using a knife or pastry cutter.
7. Place about 1 teaspoon of jam in the center of each square.
8. Fold two opposite corners toward the center and press gently to seal.
9. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
10. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow the cookies to cool for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
12. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their flaky texture.
• Use thick fruit preserves to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• The dough can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
• Kolacky cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.
• Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 22mg