Cream Cheese Kolacky: A Delightful Journey into Eastern European Pastry Perfection
Kolacky, also known as Kolaches or Kolachky, are delightful pastries originating from Eastern Europe, particularly popular in Czech and Slovak cuisine. These tender, flaky cookies are traditionally filled with a variety of sweet fillings, such as fruit preserves, poppy seeds, or, most famously, a creamy cheese filling. This article will guide you through creating your own batch of irresistible cream cheese kolacky, offering a step-by-step recipe, helpful tips, and variations to personalize your baking experience.
## What Makes Cream Cheese Kolacky Special?
Cream cheese kolacky stand out due to their unique texture and flavor profile. The cream cheese dough itself is incredibly tender and rich, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. This delicate dough perfectly complements the sweet and tangy cream cheese filling, resulting in a balanced and satisfying treat. Kolacky are often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, but they’re also perfect for a simple weekend baking project.
## The Perfect Cream Cheese Kolacky Recipe
This recipe provides a detailed guide to making delicious cream cheese kolacky from scratch. Be patient and follow each step carefully for the best results. A stand mixer is helpful but not essential; you can also make the dough by hand.
**Yields:** Approximately 36 kolacky
**Prep time:** 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
**Cook time:** 12-15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
**For the Dough:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
**For the Cream Cheese Filling:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but recommended)
**For Egg Wash (optional):**
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1 tablespoon milk or water
**Equipment:**
* Stand mixer or hand mixer
* Large mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Plastic wrap
* Rolling pin
* Baking sheets
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
* Small spoon or cookie scoop
**Instructions:**
**Part 1: Making the Dough**
1. **Combine Butter and Cream Cheese:** In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. This is a crucial step, as well-creamed butter and cream cheese will result in a tender dough. Beat for at least 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly combined.
2. **Add Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tougher dough. The dough will appear slightly crumbly at first, but it will come together as you mix.
3. **Form Dough into Discs:** Divide the dough in half and form each half into a flat disc. This will help the dough chill evenly and make it easier to roll out later.
4. **Wrap and Chill:** Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling period is essential. It allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to handle and roll out. It also firms up the butter, preventing the kolacky from spreading too much during baking.
**Part 2: Making the Cream Cheese Filling**
1. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** While the dough is chilling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened to avoid any lumps in the filling.
2. **Add Egg Yolk and Flavorings:** Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until well combined. The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the filling together. The vanilla extract and lemon zest enhance the flavor and add a touch of brightness.
3. **Cover and Chill:** Cover the filling and refrigerate it until ready to use. This will help the filling firm up and prevent it from being too runny during baking.
**Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Kolacky**
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the kolacky from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. **Roll Out the Dough:** Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Keep the surface lightly floured to prevent the dough from sticking, but avoid using too much flour, as this can make the kolacky dry.
3. **Cut into Squares:** Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2-inch squares. You can also use a cookie cutter to create different shapes, such as circles or diamonds. Re-roll any scraps of dough to minimize waste.
4. **Add Filling:** Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in the center of each square. Do not overfill, as the filling may spill out during baking.
5. **Fold Corners to Center:** Fold two opposite corners of each square towards the center, pinching them together to secure the filling. You can also fold all four corners to the center, creating a diamond shape with the filling peeking out.
6. **Transfer to Baking Sheets:** Carefully transfer the assembled kolacky to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. **Egg Wash (Optional):** If desired, brush the tops of the kolacky with the egg wash. This will give them a golden brown and glossy finish. To make the egg wash, whisk together the egg and milk or water in a small bowl.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the kolacky are lightly golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
9. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the kolacky cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. These are best enjoyed the same day they are baked, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
## Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Kolacky
* **Use Softened Butter and Cream Cheese:** This is crucial for creating a smooth and creamy dough and filling. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start baking.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough dough. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough is essential for relaxing the gluten and firming up the butter. This will make the dough easier to handle and prevent the kolacky from spreading too much during baking.
* **Roll Out the Dough Evenly:** Roll the dough out to an even thickness to ensure that the kolacky bake evenly.
* **Don’t Overfill the Kolacky:** Overfilling can cause the filling to spill out during baking. Use about 1 teaspoon of filling per square.
* **Monitor Baking Time:** Keep a close eye on the kolacky while they are baking, as they can burn easily. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your kolacky.
## Variations and Additions
* **Fruit Preserves:** Substitute the cream cheese filling with your favorite fruit preserves, such as apricot, raspberry, or cherry. Use about 1 teaspoon of preserves per square.
* **Poppy Seed Filling:** Create a traditional poppy seed filling by grinding poppy seeds and mixing them with milk, sugar, and butter. This adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
* **Nut Filling:** Use a ground nut filling made with walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Mix the ground nuts with sugar, butter, and a touch of cinnamon for a warm and comforting flavor.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a decadent twist.
* **Citrus Zest:** Experiment with different citrus zests, such as orange or grapefruit, to add a unique flavor to the filling.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough or filling for a warm and aromatic flavor.
* **Glaze:** Drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled kolacky for extra sweetness and shine. To make a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice until smooth.
## Serving Suggestions
Cream cheese kolacky are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with other treats and beverages.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Kolacky are a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, especially during breakfast or afternoon tea.
* **Fruit Salad:** Serve kolacky alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a light and balanced dessert.
* **Ice Cream:** For a more indulgent treat, top a warm kolacky with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Wine:** Pair kolacky with a sweet dessert wine, such as Moscato or Riesling, for a sophisticated treat.
## Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store kolacky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed the same day they are baked.
* **Freezing:** Kolacky can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
## Nutritional Information (approximate, per kolacky):
* Calories: 120-150
* Fat: 8-10g
* Saturated Fat: 5-6g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 30-40mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-12g
* Sugar: 5-6g
* Protein: 1-2g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
Cream cheese kolacky are a delightful and versatile pastry that can be enjoyed for any occasion. With their tender dough and creamy filling, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. This recipe provides a comprehensive guide to making perfect kolacky from scratch, along with helpful tips and variations to personalize your baking experience. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a delicious journey into the world of cream cheese kolacky!