Kolachki Recipe
Prep Time: 6 hours
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 10 hours
Yield: 15 dozen
Description:
Indulge in these delightful Kolachki cookies, cherished for generations! Whether you call them Kolacky, Kolachy, Kolace, Kolachi, Kolache, or Kolachke, their exquisite taste remains unparalleled. This recipe, passed down by a Slovakian mother-in-law, promises an authentic experience. While premade fillings are convenient, crafting your own adds a personal touch. Embark on a culinary journey that’s worth every hour of preparation and baking!
Ingredients:
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups butter, softened
- 8 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups honey
- 2/3 cup prunes, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sweet cherries, finely chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup poppy seeds
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Allow cream cheese and butter to soften at room temperature. Mix until well blended.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until thoroughly combined.
- Divide the dough into balls, one for each filling variation. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Roll Out the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a square about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into 2-inch squares. Place a small amount of filling on each square, folding the dough over, or spread filling in a line across the bottom and roll into a log, about 1/2 inch in diameter.
- With a knife, cut the roll into 1 1/2 to 2-inch pieces. Place a small amount of filling on each piece.
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Bake:
- Place the filled dough pieces on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for approximately 20 minutes.
- For optimal results, turn the cookies over after 10 minutes to ensure even baking. Check the bottom of the cookies for desired doneness.
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Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Fillings:
- Walnut Filling (Filling A): Mix walnuts with honey until well blended.
- Lekvar Filling (Filling B): Simmer prunes, water, lemon zest, and lemon juice covered for 25-30 minutes. Remove from heat, mash, and stir in brown sugar.
- Apricot or Peach Filling (Filling C): Boil fruit in water until very tender. Mash until smooth, then add cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar to taste.
- Cream Cheese Filling (Filling D): Mix softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Pineapple Filling (Filling E): Combine crushed pineapple, cornstarch, and sugar in a saucepan. Cook until thickened, then allow to cool.
- Cherry-Choc-Nut Filling (Filling F): Process cherries in a food processor until finely chopped. Add remaining ingredients and blend well.
- Poppyseed Filling (Filling G): Mix poppy seeds with milk and allow to absorb until cooled.
These Kolachki cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon treat. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture of these beloved treats, made with love and tradition. 🍪
