If you’re ready to discover a cookie that is both delightfully flaky and bursting with fruity sweetness, the Strawberry Jam Kolaczki Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These traditional Polish pastries balance a tender cream cheese dough with just the right amount of strawberry jam nestled inside, making each bite irresistibly luscious. Perfect for gatherings, gifting, or simply treating yourself, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a charming, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that feels like a warm hug from a close friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic begins. This Strawberry Jam Kolaczki Cookies Recipe calls for simple, fresh components that work together to produce a tender, flavorful cookie dough and a luscious, fruity center.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks, softened): Provides a rich and creamy base crucial for that delicate, flaky texture.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, full-fat, softened): Keeps the dough tender and adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweet jam.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the dough’s flavor with a sweet and fragrant note; you can swap almond extract for a lovely twist.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to round out the sweetness and bring depth.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The foundation of the dough; spooning and leveling help keep the perfect consistency.
- Strawberry jam (3 tablespoons): The star filling that adds bright, fruity sweetness inside each delicate pocket.
- Water: Used sparingly to help seal the pastry edges firmly around the jam.
- Powdered sugar and extra flour: For dusting the dough while rolling and finishing the cookies with a snowy, sweet touch.
How to Make Strawberry Jam Kolaczki Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cheese
Start by placing the softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Beat them together at medium speed until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This step is essential to ensure your dough is tender and flaky, giving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Flavor the Dough
Add the vanilla extract and mix it in until fully incorporated. This subtle infusion of flavor is what makes these cookies irresistibly fragrant and adds extra warmth to the dough.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the salt and then add the flour gradually, one cup at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl to fold everything in gently. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the dough delicate and soft.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough
Transfer the dough ball to a large piece of plastic wrap. Pat it or roll it into a rough 8-inch square about ¼ inch thick. Seal it tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing it to firm up and making it easier to handle later.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
When the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, keeping them picture-perfect.
Step 6: Roll Out and Cut Dough
Lightly dust your counter with powdered sugar, unwrap the dough, and place it onto the surface. Cut the dough in half, refrigerate one half while you work with the other. Then roll the dough between 1/8 and ¼ inch thick and trim the edges to make a perfect square. Cut this square into smaller 2 ½ inch squares—these will be your cookie bases.
Step 7: Fill and Fold
Place each small square on your baking sheet, add ½ teaspoon of strawberry jam in the center, and moisten the underside of one corner with water. Fold that corner over the filling, then fold the opposite corner overlapping by about an inch. This signature fold locks in the jam and creates the classic Kolaczki shape.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a gentle golden brown. The smell baking in your kitchen is one of the best parts of this recipe, so don’t rush this step!
Step 9: Cooling and Finishing Touch
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets—it helps them set so they don’t break. Once cooled, dust liberally with powdered sugar for that charming, snowy finish that makes these little treats so inviting.
How to Serve Strawberry Jam Kolaczki Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are beautiful dusted with powdered sugar alone, you can elevate their look with a few fresh strawberry slices or a mint leaf on the side. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate creates an elegant flair without overpowering the jam’s natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
Kolaczki Cookie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, cutting through the sweetness with a comforting bitterness. For brunch or dessert tables, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or tiered stand for festive gatherings. You could also gift them in a pretty box lined with parchment paper, tied with a ribbon—these homemade delights are guaranteed to charm anyone lucky enough to receive them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Kolaczki cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for a grab-and-go treat or sharing with guests over several days.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months. Alternatively, baked cookies also freeze well—just layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking, and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring a little warmth and freshness back to your stored cookies, pop them in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This restores their delicate texture and enhances the aroma, as if they were just baked fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other jam flavors instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! Raspberry, apricot, or even wild berry jams work beautifully. Each brings a unique twist, but the dough remains perfectly balanced with whatever fruity filling you love.
Is cream cheese necessary for the dough?
Yes, cream cheese is key for creating the signature tender and flaky texture of Kolaczki cookies. It adds moisture and richness that butter alone can’t provide.
Can I make these gluten-free?
While traditional recipes call for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose one suitable for baking to maintain the dough’s delicate texture.
How long will the cookies last once baked?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
What is the best way to roll out the dough?
Dusting your work surface with powdered sugar instead of flour prevents the dough from sticking without drying it out, keeping the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making the Strawberry Jam Kolaczki Cookies Recipe from scratch—each step filled with anticipation and warmth. Once you try these tender, jam-filled delights, they’ll become an instant favorite, perfect for sharing or savoring quietly with a cup of tea. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl, and add a little sweetness to your day in the most delicious way!
Print
Strawberry Jam Kolaczki Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kolaczki Cookies are traditional Eastern European pastries made from a tender cream cheese and butter dough, filled with a sweet jam center. These delightful cookies have a slightly flaky texture and are perfect for tea time or dessert, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, full-fat and softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
Filling and Finishing
- 3 tablespoons strawberry jam (or raspberry, apricot, Solo Pastry filling)
- Water (to help seal the edges of the pastry dough)
- Powdered sugar (for rolling out dough and dusting finished cookies)
- Extra flour (for dusting counter during rolling)
Instructions
- Combine Butter and Cream Cheese: Place the softened butter and cream cheese into a large mixing bowl and beat at medium speed until creamy and smooth.
- Add Flavoring: Mix in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract until well incorporated.
- Incorporate Salt and Flour: Add ½ teaspoon salt and the flour in increments (about one cup at a time), stopping to scrape sides of the bowl until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep dough tender.
- Form Dough: Transfer dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Press and flatten it into a rough 8-inch square about ¼ inch thick.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough fully with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: When ready, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Dust Surface: Sprinkle 1/8 cup powdered sugar on your work surface to prevent sticking. Unwrap chilled dough and place it on the powdered sugar.
- Divide Dough: Cut the dough in half; cover and refrigerate unused half to keep cool while working.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough out to between 1/8 and ¼ inch thickness, trimming edges into an even square.
- Cut Dough Squares: Slice the square dough into smaller 2½-inch by 2½-inch squares and place them spaced on the baking sheet.
- Add Filling: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of your chosen jam into the center of each square.
- Seal Pastries: Dab a little water on the underside of one corner of the square, then fold that corner over the filling.
- Fold Opposite Corners: Take the opposite corner and fold it over the first fold, overlapping by about 1 inch to enclose the filling.
- Repeat Folding: Continue folding all remaining squares the same way.
- Bake: Place baking sheets in the oven and bake cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until edges begin to turn golden brown.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets.
- Dust with Sugar: Before serving, generously sprinkle cooled cookies with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter for best flavor and texture.
- Make sure dough is well chilled to prevent spreading during baking.
- Powdered sugar on the work surface helps prevent sticking without toughening the dough.
- You can use various fruit jams or preserves as filling according to your preference.
- These cookies freeze well; store baked cookies in an airtight container.
