Apricot Kolachkes: Festive Polish Fruit-filled Cookies

Apricot Kolachkes Recipe: A Delightful Holiday Treat

Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Yield: 5 dozen cookies

Description:

These Apricot Kolachkes are a delightful pastry that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re gifting them or adding them to a cookie tray, these cookies will impress guests with their tender, buttery dough and sweet apricot filling. The unique combination of walnuts, pecans, and aromatic spices adds an extra touch of flavor that makes these treats irresistible. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, complemented by the powdered sugar sprinkle, ensures they’ll be a hit at any festive occasion.

Keywords:

Apricot Kolachkes, Christmas Cookies, Holiday Baking, Kolache, Fruit Cookies, Homemade Cookies, European Desserts, Family Baking, Kid-Friendly Desserts, Polish Pastry

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	1010.1 kcal
Total Fat	62 g
Saturated Fat	34.4 g
Cholesterol	189.8 mg
Sodium	449.8 mg
Carbohydrates	108.2 g
Dietary Fiber	2.5 g
Sugars	41 g
Protein	12.7 g

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Walnuts	1/2 cup
Pecans	1/4 cup
Ground Cinnamon	1/4 tsp
Ground Nutmeg	1/4 tsp
Ground Cloves	1/4 tsp
Butter	1 cup (2 sticks)
Cream Cheese	1 package (8 oz)
Granulated Sugar	2 cups
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups
Egg	1 large
Water	1 tsp
Powdered Sugar	To dust

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:
Begin by preparing the apricot filling. In a small bowl, combine the apricot filling ingredients and set them aside. This will allow the flavors to meld together while you work on the dough.
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer at medium speed. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar to the mixture, beating well until the sugar is fully incorporated and the batter is light and fluffy.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing at low speed until the dough comes together and is well-blended. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Divide and Roll the Dough:
Divide the dough into three equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut out circles of dough.
Fill and Shape the Cookies:
Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of the prepared apricot filling into the center of each dough round. In a small bowl, combine the egg and water, then brush this mixture around the edges of each dough circle. Fold the opposite sides of the dough towards the center, slightly overlapping them, and pinch the edges together to seal.
Bake the Kolachkes:
Place the prepared cookies on lightly greased baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake the Kolachkes in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on wire racks. After they have cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, your Apricot Kolachkes are ready to serve! Whether for a holiday gathering or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these sweet, nutty, and fragrant cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Perfect Kolachkes:

Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and help maintain the shape of the cookies during baking.
Apricot Filling Variations: While apricot is traditional, feel free to use other fruit preserves or jams, such as raspberry or strawberry, to change the flavor profile of your Kolachkes.
Storage: Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, making them a great make-ahead treat for the holidays!

These Apricot Kolachkes are a wonderful way to bring a taste of European tradition to your holiday celebrations. Their light, buttery dough and fruity filling are complemented by the warm spices and the dusting of powdered sugar, making them the perfect bite-sized dessert. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or create a memorable homemade gift, these cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite in your holiday baking rotation.