The recipe for Kolatki/Kolacki, Ukrainian Christmas Cookies via Czechoslovakia, as passed down from your mom’s side of the family, sounds delightful and steeped in tradition. These tiny open-ended jam cookies, unlike their Polish and Czech counterparts, are a cherished treat during Christmastime, known for their addictive nature and festive appeal. Let’s delve into the details of this recipe:
Kolatki/Kolacki (Ukrainian Christmas Cookies via Czechoslovakia)
Recipe Details:
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Recipe Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Grains, Fruit, Czech, European, Winter, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
- Yield: 50-75 cookies (depending on size)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup cream cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 jar poppy seed filling
- Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
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Preparation:
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- Cream together butter, cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy.
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Dough Preparation:
- Gradually stir in the flour until a stiff dough forms.
- Shape the dough into hamburger-size patties and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, to firm up.
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Assembly:
- On a chilled marble or glass cutting board, roll out each chilled dough patty to a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
- Cut the dough into 2 1/2 inch squares using a sharp knife or cookie cutter.
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Filling and Folding:
- Place each square on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Add about 1/3 teaspoon of poppy seed filling in the center of each square.
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Folding Technique:
- Fold one corner of each square halfway over the filling to point towards the opposite corner.
- Brush egg white onto the folded corner.
- Fold the opposite corner over the first, pressing lightly to seal with the egg white.
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Optional Decoration:
- For an extra touch, brush the tops of the folded cookies with egg white and dust with confectioners’ sugar before baking.
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Baking:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 171.1
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6.8g
- Cholesterol: 44.6mg
- Sodium: 81.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15.7g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 4.1g
- Protein: 2.6g
Tips and Notes:
- Origin: While the exact origins of this recipe are uncertain, its roots trace through your mom’s family, adding a special sentimental value to each batch.
- Make Ahead: These cookies benefit from refrigerating the dough overnight for better texture and easier handling during assembly.
- Variations: Experiment with different fillings such as apricot, raspberry, or prune if poppy seed isn’t preferred.
Enjoy these Kolatki/Kolacki cookies during the holiday season or any time you crave a taste of family tradition. Their delicate, jam-filled centers and buttery, flaky exteriors make them a perfect addition to any festive dessert table or a thoughtful homemade gift.