Kolachy

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Kolachy

Kolachy (also known as Kolach, Kolache) originated from Central Europe.  It is a pastry that is made up of a puffy cream cheese dough that surrounds a fruit, sweetened cream cheese or other non-meat assorted fillings.  It is said that Kolachy are often associated with Cedar Rapids and Pocahontas, where Czech immigrants introduced the pastry during the 1870s.  Kolachy’s are perfect for weddings, holidays and special occasions.  They are soft and delicious and have been part of our holiday celebrations year after year.  These are definitely a family favorite.

Our family recipe was given to us by one of our neighbors, Sylvia, back in 1971.  I did tweak the recipe, especially the cheese filling.

This Kolachy recipe is so simple to make with very few ingredients.  The cream cheese dough comes together in minutes.  The dough part of the cookie is light, soft and flaky.  We fill ours with Solo brand fillings – apricot, poppy seed or an almond filling.  This year, I will also make a sweetened cream cheese filling, which is a favorite of mine when I purchase them.

What you will need for this recipe:

Dough
1 pound (2 sticks) salted butter
2 small packages (6 ounces) cream cheese
2 egg yolks, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

Filling
Solo Cake & Pastry Filling (poppy seed, almond, apricot)
Cheese Filling (optional)
16 ounces cream cheese or farmer’s cheese
1 cup 10x confectioners sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To make the dough:  In stand mixer or large mixing bowl, cream the butter. Add the cream cheese and continue creaming. Add the beaten egg yolks and mix.  Add in the flour and mix until blended. Chill dough for 4 hours or overnight.

Shaping the Kolachy
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it soften for 5 minutes at room temperature. Roll out on a floured board. Cut in squares and place a small amount of filling in the center. Egg wash one corner. Fold the opposite corner to the center. Bring the corner of the dough with the egg wash to the center on top of the other dough.

Alternate Method: Is to cut the dough in rounds. Make an indentation in the center of the dough and add a small amount of filling. It will spread.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 20 minutes.

Cheese Filling: In a medium-size bowl, add the cream cheese or farmer’s cheese, powdered sugar, flour, egg yolks and vanilla extract.  Mix until everything is combined.

I make these two different ways.  The more traditional version of wrapping the dough over the filling like a little blanket.  The second way is to cut rounds (featured picture), make an indentation in the center to place the filling.  The second method is a little faster for me, but the cookies are harder to stack when storing as the filling will stick to each other.

Once the Kolachy have baked and cooled, sprinkle them with a little sifted confectioners’s sugar before serving.

If you like our Kolachy recipe, please comment below.  If you made it, post your wonderful images on Instagram and tag me. Don’t forget to go back to the The Finished Dish’s Home Page, scroll down on the right side and subscribe.  You will be emailed each time I post a new recipe.

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