During our travels, we discovered the delightful world of Slovak cuisine, particularly the mouthwatering Kolache cookies.
These treats are not just desserts; they carry a rich history that began with Czech and Slovak immigrants in the late 19th century.
With their sweet, filled dough, Kolache cookies have become a popular recipe that we are excited to share with you.
As we sifted through various Slovak recipe books, we found that these cookies can be filled with all kinds of delicious ingredients like fruit jams, poppy seeds, or nuts.
Each bite is a little taste of tradition, making them perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions.
We’ve enjoyed making these cookies together, and we think you will too!
Join us as we take you step-by-step through our favorite Slovak Kolache cookies recipe. We promise it’ll be an enjoyable adventure filled with great flavors and wonderful memories.
Why You’ll Love This Slovak Kolache Cookies Recipe
We really enjoy making Slovak Kolache cookies because they remind us of rich traditions in Slovakia.
These cookies are often filled with sweet fruit jams or nutty pastes, making them a delightful treat.
1. Flaky Texture:
The dough is made with butter and sour cream, which gives the cookies a light and flaky texture. We love how each bite melts in our mouths.
2. Sweet Fillings:
We can fill them with our favorite jams or even poppy seed paste. The sweet fillings complement the buttery dough perfectly.
3. Easy to Make:
This recipe is simple to follow, even for beginners. We appreciate how we can easily cut the recipe in half if we want a smaller batch.
4. Family Tradition:
Kolache cookies have been passed down through generations. Making these cookies connects people to their Slovak heritage and brings back fond memories.
5. Perfect for Holidays:
Whether it’s Christmas or another festive occasion, these cookies add a special touch to the celebrations. They’re a hit with friends and family alike.
From forming the dough to filling them with sweetness, people find joy in every step. Slovak Kolache cookies are not just treats; they are a warm reminder of home and tradition.
What Makes This Slovak Kolache Cookies Recipe Special
We love making Slovak Kolache cookies because they connect us to rich traditions. This recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that showcases Slovak culture.
These cookies have a light and flaky crust, which is a hallmark of Slovakian recipes. The dough typically combines cream cheese, butter, and flour, making it tender and delicious.
Variety of Fillings
One of the best parts of making Kolache cookies is the variety of fillings we can choose from. Here are some popular options:
- Fruit Jams: Classic choices like apricot or raspberry bring sweetness.
- Lekvar: A Slovak prune filling that adds depth of flavor.
- Poppy Seed Filling: A nutty and unique option that many enjoy.
- Walnut Filling: For those who love a crunch!
A Family Tradition
For many people with Slovak heritage, baking Kolache cookies is more than just cooking. It’s about gathering with family and sharing stories. Each bite holds memories, making these treats special.
Finally, the time and care we put into making these cookies pay off. The result is not just a snack but a delicious piece of Slovak history that we can share with others.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make Slovak Kolache cookies, we need some basic equipment. Here’s a handy list to help us get started:
- Mixing Bowls: We will need at least two bowls—one for the dough and one for the filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important, so having both is essential.
- Rolling Pin: This will help us roll out the dough evenly.
- Baking Sheets: We can use these to hold the cookies while they bake.
- Parchment Paper: Lining our baking sheets with parchment helps prevent sticking.
- Cookie Cutters: Round cutters will give our Kolache the perfect shape.
- Pastry Brush: If we want to brush on an egg wash or melted butter, this tool is useful.
- Cooling Rack: Once baked, cookies need to cool properly on a rack.
Having these tools ready will make our baking experience smooth and fun!
Let’s gather everything we need, and we’ll be on our way to making delicious Kolache cookies together.
Cooking Instructions
To make Slovak Kolache Cookies, we’ll follow these simple steps. Let’s get started!
Steps:
- Mix the Dough:
In a bowl, combine flour, sour cream, butter, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms. - Chill the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Shape the Cookies:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into squares or circles. - Add Filling:
Place a small amount of your chosen filling in the center of each piece of dough. - Fold and Seal:
Fold corners over the filling or pinch the edges to seal. - Bake:
Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. - Cool:
Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy making these delicious treats with us!
Cooking Tips
Making Slovak Kolache Cookies can be a delightful experience! Here are some helpful tips to ensure our cookies turn out perfectly.
Use cold ingredients: Keeping our butter and eggs cold helps create a flaky dough.
Don’t rush the dough: Take your time when mixing. Overworking the dough can make it tough. We want it to be nice and tender.
Chill the dough: After mixing, let our dough chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and enhances the flavor.
Roll evenly: When rolling out the dough, try to keep it even.
Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness for the best results.
Fill with care: Add just the right amount of filling.
Too much can make our cookies messy, while too little leaves them a bit bland.
Seal the edges: Make sure we pinch the edges well after adding filling. This keeps the delicious filling inside while baking.
Watch the baking time: Baking time can vary based on our oven.
Check for a light golden color to know when they’re ready.
Cool before serving: Let our cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
This helps them set properly and improves the flavor.
Ingredients Needed for the Slovak Kolache Cookies Recipe
Cream cheese dough:
Unsalted butter at room temperature
Cream cheese at room temperature
All-purpose flour
Filling:
Pastry fruit filling
Misc.
Powdered sugar for sprinkling
Instructions For Preparing the Slovak Kolache Cookies Recipe
Prepare the Dough
Remove unsalted butter and cream cheese from the refrigerator at least two hours before use to soften. In a large bowl, mix the butter, cream cheese, and all-purpose flour with a fork until combined, then knead by hand until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze for 10–15 minutes.
Roll and Fill
Lightly flour the work surface and roll the dough into an even rectangle about ⅛ inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2-inch squares and place 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each. Lift opposite corners of the dough and fold them over the filling, pressing to seal.
Bake and Serve
Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat the oven to and bake for about 15 minutes, until golden. Let them cool slightly, then sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
FAQs For the Slovak Kolache Cookies Recipe
Question: What is the Slovak Kolache Cookies Recipe?
A: The Slovak Kolache Cookies recipe is a traditional pastry made with a buttery dough and filled with sweet fillings like fruit preserves, poppy seeds, or cream cheese.
Question: What ingredients are needed for the Slovak Kolache Cookies Recipe?
A: The Slovak Kolache Cookies recipe typically includes flour, butter, sugar, yeast, eggs, milk, and a variety of fillings such as apricot jam, cream cheese, or walnut paste.
Question: How do you shape the dough in the Slovak Kolache Cookies Recipe?
A: In the Slovak Kolache Cookies recipe, the dough is rolled out, cut into squares or circles, filled with a sweet filling, and folded or pinched to create a decorative shape.
Question: Can I make the Slovak Kolache Cookies Recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Slovak Kolache Cookies recipe can be made in advance, and the cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days or frozen for longer freshness.
Question: What is the best way to serve the Slovak Kolache Cookies Recipe?
A: The Slovak Kolache Cookies recipe is best served dusted with powdered sugar and enjoyed with coffee, tea, or as a special treat for holidays and gatherings.
Slovak Kolache Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Cream cheese dough:
- 1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 1 cup fruit filling pastry
Misc.
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Remove 1 stick of unsalted butter and 4 ounces of cream cheese from the refrigerator at least two hours before use to soften. In a large bowl, mix the butter, cream cheese, and 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour with a fork until combined, then knead by hand until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze for 10–15 minutes.
Roll and Fill
- Lightly flour the work surface and roll the dough into an even rectangle about ⅛ inch thick. Cut into 2 1/2-inch squares and place 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each. Lift opposite corners of the dough and fold them over the filling, pressing to seal.
Bake and Serve
- Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 340°F and bake for about 15 minutes, until golden. Let them cool slightly, then sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
1 comment
The Slovak Kolache Cookies were a big success! The buttery cookies melted in your mouth, and the fruit jam filling added a perfect touch of sweetness. I used raspberry jam, and it worked wonderfully. My guests were thrilled with the soft texture and sweet, fruity flavor. I’ll definitely be making these again for future events!
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