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Golden Poppy Delights: Ukrainian Christmas Jam Cookies

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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:

  1. Preparation:

    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Cream together butter, cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Optional Decoration:

    • For an extra touch, brush the tops of the folded cookies with egg white and dust with confectioners’ sugar before baking.
  7. 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.

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