Oh, how I adore the cozy, heartwarming aroma that fills the kitchen when I bake cookies! It takes me back to my childhood, spending weekends at my grandma’s house where she’d roll out dough as eagerly as a painter dips a brush into vibrant colors. One of the gems of those afternoons was her Easy Polish Kolache Cookies. These delightful little pastries, with their tender, buttery crust and sweet fillings, are not just baked goods; they’re edible hugs!

As autumn approaches and we start to crave those comforting flavors, there’s something extra inviting about making these cookies. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just want a sweet treat with your evening cup of tea, they’re sure to impress. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s rich in tradition and flavor, and discover why these cookies hold a special place in my heart – and hopefully, in yours too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make – perfect for bakers of all levels!
• Customize with your favorite fillings like fruit jams or sweet cream cheese.
• Great for sharing at gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
• Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea – a delightful afternoon snack!
• Contains ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

Grab your apron and let’s get cooking! Here’s everything you need for these yummy Easy Polish Kolache Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (the secret to a flaky crust!)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, or your favorite)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Tip: Using fresh, high-quality preserves will make a world of difference in the flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bake some magic? Here’s how you can whip up these scrumptious cookies:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be nice and hot by the time your dough is ready.
2. Mix the buttery goodness: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The butter should feel like a soft cloud!
3. Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla: Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well blended.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to be tender and delightful!
5. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape when baking.
6. Form the cookies: Roll out the chilled dough onto a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (or a glass) to cut out circles. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Add the filling: Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon. Spoon about a teaspoon of your chosen fruit preserves into each indentation.
8. Bake: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly at this point!
9. Cool and dust: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch!

Note: Don’t rush the cooling process; the cookies can be a bit fragile right out of the oven.

Pro Tips & Variations

Feeling a bit adventurous? Here’s how you can jazz up your kolache cookies:

• Filling options: Go beyond fruit preserves! You can try sweetened cream cheese, chocolate ganache, or even a dollop of Nutella for a fun twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a little extra sweetness. Mix to your desired consistency and drizzle away!
• Herbal hints: Try adding a hint of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus kick.

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Polish Kolache Cookies are a treat for the senses! Serve them warm with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a pot of steaming tea. They’re perfect for a Sunday brunch or even as a sweet complement to a cozy evening at home.

I often like to arrange them on a beautiful plate and take them to potlucks or family gatherings. Their charming, rustic appearance and delightful flavors always win everyone over!

Storage Tips

Want to save some for later (if they last that long)? Here’s how you can store these cookies while keeping them delicious:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They taste wonderful chilled!
• Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
• Reheat: To bring back that fresh-baked taste, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just be sure to check the blend to see if it requires any additional ingredients or adjustments.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticking to your hands or the countertop, sprinkle a little additional flour as you roll it out. You want it soft, but it should hold together nicely without being tacky.

How do I make these cookies less sweet?

Reducing the amount of sugar in the dough is an option, but remember that the sweetness from the filling will still come through. You might want to select a tart fruit preserve to balance it out!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also bake the cookies a day early; they’ll store beautifully in an airtight container.

What type of filling works best?

While traditional fruit preserves are classic, you can get creative! Consider sweetened poppy seed filling, almond paste, or even pumpkin pie filling for a seasonal twist!

Conclusion

There you have it, my friends – a heartwarming, easy recipe for Easy Polish Kolache Cookies that will undoubtedly bring comfort and joy to your kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and devouring these cookies as much as I do. Don’t forget to comment below on your favorite filling or share your baking experience with me. Let’s spread sweet smiles one cookie at a time!

Deliciously Easy Polish Kolache Cookies You Can Master Today!

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Master easy Polish kolache cookies with this simple recipe! Bake delightful treats quickly and impress everyone with your skills.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups of all-purpose flour

1 cup of unsalted butter, softened

½ cup of granulated sugar

1 large egg yolk

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

½ teaspoon of salt

1 cup of fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, or your favorite)

Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well blended.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Roll out the chilled dough onto a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles.

Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and spoon about a teaspoon of your chosen fruit preserves into each.

Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Delightful easy Polish kolache cookies with tender buttery crust and sweet fillings, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24 cookies
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Carbohydrates: 18 grams
• Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Protein: 2 grams

Keywords: Polish kolache cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies, dessert recipes