I’ve always believed that every family has those cherished recipes that remind them of special moments. For me, Cream Cheese Kolacky is just that. You see, I came across this delightful treat at a family gathering years ago, and it immediately stole my heart. The creamy sweetness and rich texture are just too irresistible.
When I first decided to make Cream Cheese Kolacky for my family, I was a bit apprehensive. Would it turn out as delightful as I remembered from my aunt’s kitchen? Well, to my surprise, it was even better! My husband gave me a thumbs up with a mouth full of kolacky, and my kids were reaching for seconds before I even finished serving the first batch.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over years of cooking and baking, it’s that some of the best recipes come from a place of nostalgia and love. Cream Cheese Kolacky feels like a warm hug from someone you love. It’s the kind of recipe that makes for perfect holidays, everyday indulgences, or just about any time you want something a little special. You might think it’s complicated, but trust me, it’s as easy as pie—and sometimes even more satisfying.
This recipe is a fantastic way to bring everyone together, especially if you’re someone who loves sharing food stories. It’s relatively simple, requires a handful of ingredients, and results in a treat that’s as good for the soul as it is for the taste buds. It’s moments like these where you realize cooking isn’t just about feeding your family; it’s about creating experiences and memories.
So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, give this Cream Cheese Kolacky recipe a try. Share it with your friends and family, bring it along to your next potluck, or simply enjoy it at home with a cup of tea. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can bring so much joy and warmth into your life. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can make your own delicious batch!
How to Make Cream Cheese Kolacky
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Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (12.5 ounces) can apricot fruit filling (such as Solo)
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Directions:
Start by placing the cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl. With an electric mixer, blend them until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar into the mixture. Stir in the all-purpose flour slowly and mix until fully combined. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Meanwhile, roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into 2 1/2 inch squares. Add about 2 teaspoons of apricot filling to the center of each square, making sure not to overfill.
Carefully fold opposite corners of each square into the center, pinching them together firmly. This will enclose the filling, letting a little peek out from each end. Transfer the formed kolacky to an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, until the kolacky are set but not browned. Allow them to cool on baking racks, then dust them with the remaining confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Storing Suggestion:
Cream Cheese Kolacky can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor for up to one week.
Cooking Tips:
If you want to spice things up, try using different fruit fillings like cherry or raspberry. To enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough. Always make sure to chill the dough properly to prevent the kolacky from spreading too much during baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these delightful Cream Cheese Kolacky with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you’re short on something, don’t fret! You can use margarine instead of butter or any other fruit filling you prefer. For a healthier twist, replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or almond flour.
Seasonal Variations:
Switch up the flavors by using different seasonal fruit fillings, like pumpkin during fall or cranberry in the winter. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can also bring a seasonal touch to your dessert.
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains dairy and gluten. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives. Use gluten-free flour if you have gluten sensitivities, and make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to a month; just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using it.
What other fillings can I use?
Besides apricot, you can try a variety of fillings like raspberry, strawberry, or even prune to change things up. Feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors or what you have on hand.
Do I need to use an electric mixer?
While an electric mixer makes the process quicker and easier, you can certainly mix by hand using a sturdy spatula or whisk. Just ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to make mixing smoother.
Why did my kolacky spread too much?
If your kolacky spread, it might be because the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure the dough is properly and thoroughly chilled before rolling it out. If the kitchen is warm, try chilling your baking sheets as well.
Is there a way to adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of confectioners’ sugar used in the dough and for dusting. Experiment with a bit less or more to match your preference without affecting the texture.
Can I use fresh fruit in this recipe?
Using fresh fruit might alter the texture of the kolacky, but you can cook down some fresh fruit with a bit of sugar and water to create a homemade filling. Make sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t leak out during baking.
Cream Cheese Kolacky
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese softened
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (12.5 ounces) can apricot fruit filling such as Solo(r)
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Beat 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar into the butter mixture. Slowly beat in the flour; mix well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 3 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- On a well-floured board, roll out chilled dough to 1/8 inch. Use a pizza wheel to cut dough into 2 1/2 inch squares.
- Spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each square; do not overfill.
- Fold opposite corners of each square into the middle to encase dough, pinching the dough together in the center. The filling should peek out a little at each end.
- Transfer cookies to an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake the kolacky in the preheated oven until set but not brown, about 12 minutes. Remove to racks to cool.
- Dust cooled kolacky with remaining powdered sugar.
