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Easy Kolacky

Easy Kolacky are tender, flaky Central European thumbprint cookies made with a rich cream cheese and butter dough filled with sweet, vibrant jam. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a buttery, fruity treat. These cookies are simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert, Holiday Cookie, Snack, Tea Time Trea
Cuisine Central European, Czech, Polish, Slovak
Servings 24 medium-sized kolacky cookies
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Cookie sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Optional: cookie cutters, plastic wrap

Ingredients
  

  • Cold unsalted butter
  • Cold cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • All-purpose flour
  • Egg yolk or milk (optional, for dough enrichment and sealing)
  • Jam or preserves (apricot, raspberry, prune, poppy seed, etc.)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Make the Dough: Cream butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat well. Mix in egg yolk or milk if using. Gradually add flour until dough forms.
  • Chill: Wrap dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Roll & Cut: Roll dough on floured surface to ⅛ inch thickness. Cut into 2½-inch squares or circles.
  • Add Filling: Spoon ½–1 tsp jam into center. Fold corners to center for traditional style or press thumbprint for open style.
  • Bake: Arrange on parchment-lined sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until edges lightly golden.
  • Cool & Finish: Cool on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Keep ingredients cold to maintain dough flakiness.
  • Use thick, high-quality jams to prevent sogginess.
  • Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before baking.
  • Seal edges well to avoid cookies opening while baking.
  • Dust powdered sugar only after cooling to preserve texture.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with 1-to-1 gluten-free blend.
Keyword buttery cookies, Central European desserts, cream cheese cookies, easy holiday cookies, fruit-filled cookies, jam cookies, Kolacky, thumbprint cookies, traditional kolacky