Name: Kolaczki: Delightfully Buttery Thumbprint Cookies to Savor
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 72 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, room temperature); 1 tablespoon milk (whole milk recommended); ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste); 1 large egg yolk (do not use whole egg); 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon Solo Raspberry Fruit Filling (can substitute with cherry or apricot); to taste powdered sugar (for dusting)

As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of warm butter and cream cheese enveloped me like a cozy hug, transporting me straight to holiday gatherings filled with laughter and love. These Easy Kolaczki Cookies, with their flaky cream cheese dough and delightful fruit preserves, are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of cherished family traditions. What’s fantastic about this recipe is its versatility—whether you crave raspberry, cherry, or apricot, you can customize these thumbprint cookies to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Plus, they’re perfect for making ahead of time and freeze beautifully for last-minute sweet cravings. Ready to dive into your own baking adventure? Let’s create something delicious together!

Why Are Kolaczki Cookies So Special?

Endless Versatility: You can fill these cookies with your favorite fruit preserves—try raspberry, cherry, or apricot to make each batch uniquely your own!

Perfect for Gifting: These delightful thumbprint cookies are excellent for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season or any occasion.

Easy to Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared and refrigerated, making these cookies a fantastic option for busy bakers.

Flaky & Buttery Delight: With a cream cheese base, each cookie delivers a tender, flaky texture that simply melts in your mouth.

Always Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for a party or a quiet afternoon tea, these kolaczki cookies bring joy and sweetness to any gathering. If you’re looking for more delightful cookie options, check out our classic thumbprint cookie recipe for further inspiration!

Kolaczki Ingredients

• Master your cookie game with these delightful Kolaczki!

For the Dough

Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use unsalted for better control of salt levels.
Cream Cheese – Provides a tender, flaky texture and pleasant tanginess; make sure it’s at room temperature for even mixing.
Milk – Helps blend the butter and cream cheese for a soft dough; choose whole milk for added richness.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough, balancing the cream cheese; adjust to your taste preferences.
Egg Yolk – Enhances richness and serves as a binding agent; avoid using a whole egg for better texture.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; sifting is recommended for a lighter end product.
Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring a light, airy cookie.

For the Filling

Solo Raspberry Fruit Filling (or other flavors) – Offers a burst of fruity flavor; select a thick consistency to hold shape while baking; feel free to substitute with other exciting fillings like cherry or apricot!

For the Finishing Touch

Powdered Sugar – Adds the perfect sweet finish; dust lightly over baked cookies before serving.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Kolaczki

Step 1: Prep Dough
Begin by beating together 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and 8 ounces of softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Add 1 tablespoon of milk and ½ cup of granulated sugar, blending until well combined and fluffy. This mixture should be velvety and light, creating a rich base for your Kolaczki cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry
Incorporate 1 egg yolk into the batter and blend thoroughly. Next, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder, then gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a stiff dough forms. The dough should be cohesive and slightly sticky, indicating it’s ready for chilling.

Step 3: Chill Dough
Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible. This step is crucial as it firms up the Kolaczki dough, making it easier to handle later on. The dough should feel firmer and less sticky when you’re ready to roll it out.

Step 4: Roll & Cut
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a well-floured surface to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut out circles, ensuring you have enough space between each cookie for even baking.

Step 5: Form Cookies
Place the dough circles onto your prepared baking sheet, keeping them evenly spaced. Gently press your thumb into the center of each circle to make a thumbprint, creating an indentation for the filling. Fill each thumbprint with approximately 1 teaspoon of your chosen fruit filling, such as Solo raspberry or apricot, ensuring not to overfill.

Step 6: Bake
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the Kolaczki cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly browned around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re ready when the tops are firm to the touch and have a golden hue.

Step 7: Finish
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled completely, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. These delightful Kolaczki cookies will be ready to savor or share with loved ones!

Expert Tips for Kolaczki Cookies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and well-blended dough.
Chill Before Rolling: Don’t skip chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes; this helps prevent stickiness and makes rolling easier, ensuring your Kolaczki turn out perfectly.
Flour Your Surface: Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent the dough from sticking. This will help you cut clean circles with ease.
Mind the Jam: Avoid overfilling the thumbprints with jam; approximately 1 teaspoon is ideal to prevent spills during baking.
Experiment with Fillings: While raspberry is classic, don’t hesitate to try apricot or cherry—your customizations will delight everyone!
Perfect for Freezing: If you want to prepare your Kolaczki ahead, the dough freezes beautifully. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Kolaczki Cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days in advance, ensuring it remains just as delicious when baked. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months—simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling it out. To maintain the cookies’ flaky texture, be sure to cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats, simply roll, fill, and bake as directed. Your family will love having homemade Kolaczki at their fingertips!

How to Store and Freeze Kolaczki

Room Temperature: Store baked Kolaczki cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and delightful for snacking.

Fridge: If you want to keep them a bit longer, place the cookies in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 1 week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will maintain good quality for up to 3 months.

Dough Freezing: You can also freeze the Kolaczki dough by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out to create delicious, fresh cookies at a moment’s notice.

Kolaczki: Creative Twists on This Classic

Feel free to mix things up and explore exciting flavors with your Kolaczki cookies!

Flavorful Jam Swaps: Substitute raspberry with apricot, cherry, or poppy seed jam for a delicious variation.
Reduce Sugar: Cut down the granulated sugar in the dough by 1–2 tablespoons for a less sweet option. This creates a delightful balance when paired with vividly flavored jams.
Whole Wheat Option: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a hint of added fiber. The change can lend an earthy twist to your Kolaczki.
Gluten-Free: Use a quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum to achieve a similar texture. Your gluten-sensitive friends will appreciate the thoughtful adaptation!
Spice It Up: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, seasonal taste. This gives your Kolaczki a cozy holiday-feel and elevates their charm.
Nutty Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped nuts on top of the jam before baking for added texture and flavor. Walnuts or pistachios can create a lovely crunch!
Zesty Infusion: Stir in citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, into the dough for a refreshing zing. This brightens each bite and adds a delightful twist.
Birthday Celebrations: For a festive flair, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies. It’s a sweet gesture that can make any occasion feel extra special!

These variations allow you to make Kolaczki truly your own while keeping that beloved essence intact. For even more delightful options, consider trying our classic thumbprint cookie recipe for additional ideas that keep the spirit of baking alive!

What to Serve with Easy Kolaczki Cookies

Indulge in a delightful pairing as you enjoy the flaky, buttery goodness of these thumbprint cookies, perfect for any gathering.

Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich, nutty flavors of coffee elevate the sweetness of the cookies, creating a comforting pairing.
Herbal Tea: A light peppermint or chamomile tea complements the fruity filling, offering a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the flaky texture, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors.
Fruit Salad: Vibrant, fresh fruits add a pop of color and texture, enhancing the fruity jam flavors while providing a refreshing crispness.
Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of dark chocolate over the cookies adds a hint of richness, turning them into a decadent treat.
Almond Milk: This nutty, creamy beverage perfectly complements the cookies, providing a light and satisfying drink option.
Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade contrasts the sweetness of the cookies, making it a zesty addition to your dessert spread.
Ice Wine: The sweetness of ice wine pairs gracefully with the kolaczki, enhancing their rich, fruity flavors in a delightful sip.

Kolaczki Recipe FAQs

What kind of fruit filling can I use for Kolaczki cookies?
Absolutely! You can use any fruit preserves that catch your fancy! Popular options include raspberry, cherry, apricot, and even poppy seed fillings. Just make sure the filling has a thick enough consistency to hold its shape during baking for the best results.

How should I store Kolaczki cookies once baked?
To keep your Kolaczki cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like them to last a bit longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enhance their delightful texture.

Can I freeze Kolaczki cookies and dough?
Yes, you can! To freeze baked cookies, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. For the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out. This way, you can always have freshly baked cookies ready!

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, don’t worry! First, dust your work surface with more flour while rolling it out. If it’s still challenging, chill the dough for an additional 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps firm it up and makes it easier to work with—your Kolaczki will turn out beautifully!

Do Kolaczki cookies contain allergens?
Kolaczki cookies contain common allergens such as dairy (butter, cream cheese) and gluten (all-purpose flour). If you’re making them for someone with allergies, consider using gluten-free flour and dairy-free substitutes. Always check the labels to ensure safety for those with specific dietary needs.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Kolaczki cookies?
Very! You can incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for added warmth and flavor. Additionally, using homemade jam or artisanal preserves can elevate the taste profile of your Kolaczki, making each bite more special. Don’t hesitate to get creative!