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Freshly baked Kolachki pastries with fruit filling

Kolachki

These delicate cream cheese-shortbread cookies are folded around a bright jewel of jam, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Polish
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 226 g
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened 225 g
  • 1/2 cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour 250 g
  • 1 pinch fine salt
Filling Ingredients
  • 3/4 to 1 cup jam or fruit preserves apricot, raspberry, plum, or seedless preserves work best
  • 1 large egg optional egg wash for glossy finish
  • 1 tablespoon milk optional egg wash for glossy finish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until very smooth. Stop when no lumps remain.
  3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl once.
  4. Stir in the flour and a pinch of fine salt. Mix just until the dough comes together; avoid overworking.
  5. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Assembly
  1. Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 2.5 to 3-inch squares.
  2. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jam into the center of each square. Use a small spoon to prevent overspill.
  3. Fold each corner toward the center, leaving a small hole so the jam peeks through. Press gently to seal.
  4. If you want a glossy finish, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon milk and brush each cookie lightly.
Baking
  1. Bake one sheet at a time for 12–15 minutes. The edges should be set and the bottoms should just be turning golden — don’t overbake.
  2. Transfer to wire racks to cool. When cool, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For a lighter sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or use a less-sweet jam. To make them dairy-free, substitute with a vegan butter and a cream cheese alternative adapted for baking. Use seedless preserves to avoid leaks during baking. Avoid overworking the dough for best results.