Kolacky Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Kolacky cookies are tender, buttery pastries filled with sweet fruit filling, perfect for any occasion. Their delicate texture and fruity center make them a beloved treat that’s simple to prepare at home.

Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Cold Butter
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 12 oz Can of Fruit Pie Filling (Apricot, Raspberry, Cherry, etc.)
- Confectioners’ Sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a stand mixer, combine the cold butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the flour and mix until the dough is well blended. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Use a pastry cutter to cut the dough into squares.
- Step 4: Place a small amount of fruit filling in the center of each square. Take two opposite corners of the square and fold them to the center, overlapping to close the cookie. If needed, place a little extra filling between the corners to help them stick together.
- Step 5: Arrange the cookies on the prepared sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, checking halfway through baking to press any opened corners back toward the center.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on a rack. Once cooled, dust them with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Tips & Variations
- If your fruit filling is chunky, blend it in a food processor until smooth for easier folding and better texture.
- Try different fruit fillings like apricot, raspberry, or cherry to suit your taste or season.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough before mixing.
Storage
Store Kolacky cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in a low oven to soften before serving if desired.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and assembling the cookies.
What if my cookies open while baking?
If the cookies start to open in the oven, gently press the corners back toward the center halfway through baking to help them keep their shape.
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Kolacky Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24–30 cookies 1x
Description
Kolacky cookies are tender, flaky pastries made with a delicate cream cheese and butter dough, filled with smooth fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or cherry. These delightful cookies are lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar, offering a perfect balance of buttery richness and sweet fruity flavor, making them a wonderful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, cold
- 1 cup Cold Butter
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
Filling
- 12 oz Can of Fruit Pie Filling (Apricot, Raspberry, Cherry, etc. – blend if chunky to smooth)
Topping
- Confectioners’ Sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a stand mixer, combine cold butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until the dough is well blended and smooth. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a pastry cutter or knife to cut the dough into square shapes.
- Fill and Shape Cookies: Place a small spoonful of fruit pie filling in the center of each square. Take two opposite corners of the square and fold them towards the center, overlapping the corners lightly. Add a little fruit filling between the overlapping corners to help the dough stick and keep the cookie closed during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange the shaped cookies on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the cookies remain closed. If any open, gently press the corners back together promptly.
- Cool and Dust: Once baked, transfer the cookies to cooling racks to cool completely. After cooling, sprinkle them generously with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling to prevent it from becoming too sticky and difficult to handle.
- If using chunky fruit pie filling, pulse it in a food processor to achieve a smooth consistency for easier filling.
- Use parchment paper to reduce cleanup and prevent cookies from sticking to the sheet.
- Handle the cookies gently when folding corners to avoid tearing the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Central European
Keywords: Kolacky, Kolache, Cream Cheese Cookies, Fruit Filled Cookies, Pastry Cookies, Traditional Desserts, Apricot Kolacky, Raspberry Kolacky, Cherry Kolacky

