If you have a sweet tooth and love discovering charming, melt-in-your-mouth treats, the Raspberry Kolaczki Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These delicate, flaky pastries filled with vibrant raspberry jam bring a perfect balance of buttery richness and fruity brightness, making every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for holidays, a cozy afternoon tea, or simply craving a delightful homemade cookie, this classic recipe offers a warm invitation to experience a timeless treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Raspberry Kolaczki Cookies starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create the perfect texture and flavor harmony. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy softness of the cream cheese to the sweet burst of raspberry jam that adds vivid color and freshness.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides a creamy, tender crumb and helps create that signature flaky texture.
- 1 cup (8 oz) salted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and flakiness essential for these pastries.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough without graininess, ensuring a silky melt on the tongue.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that elevates the overall taste.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the dough’s structure, striking the perfect balance between tenderness and stability.
- ½ cup raspberry jam: The vibrant, fruity center that bursts with flavor in every bite.
- 1 egg white: Used as a glue to seal the cookies securely, keeping the jam beautifully encased.
- 1 tablespoon water: Mixed with egg white to create a sealing glaze for the dough corners.
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a delicate, snowy finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
How to Make Raspberry Kolaczki Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Cheese and Butter
Start by combining the softened cream cheese and salted butter in a large bowl. Beat them together until you achieve a smooth, silky mixture. This step is key to ensuring your dough will be tender and flaky, so don’t rush it. The creamy base is what gives Kolaczki their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor the Dough
Next, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture. Beat everything together until it is fully combined and luscious. The powdered sugar blends evenly, keeping the dough sweet without any grainy feel while the vanilla adds a lovely depth and warmth that will make your cookies irresistible.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour. This is the moment when your dough transforms from creamy to a soft, pliable mass. Once everything is incorporated, divide it into two equal discs, wrap each with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for one hour. Chilling the dough is crucial; it firms up the butter and cheese, making the dough easier to roll and helping the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare for Baking
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake. Having everything ready in advance ensures a smooth, stress-free baking session once the dough is rolled and cut.
Step 5: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each disc of dough to a thin 1/8-inch thickness. This delicate thickness is what creates the perfect flaky layers after baking. Then, cut the dough into 2-inch squares — this size strikes the perfect balance between bite-sized and satisfying.
Step 6: Fill and Fold Your Cookies
Place a generous ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam right in the center of each square. Then, gently fold two opposite corners over the jam and use the egg white-water mixture to seal the edges. This little step ensures the jam stays put during baking while giving each cookie that classic Kolaczki shape that’s just so charming.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your folded cookies on the baking sheets, giving them enough space to expand slightly. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden tone. This quick baking time keeps the cookies tender inside while creating a beautiful, flaky exterior.
Step 8: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
After baking, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for that classic snowy finish. This final touch adds just the right amount of sweetness and a delightful visual appeal that makes these cookies simply irresistible.
How to Serve Raspberry Kolaczki Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While a dusting of powdered sugar is traditional and stunning, you can also experiment with a light drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint on the side can add a pop of color and a fresh bite that pairs beautifully with the rich cookies.
Side Dishes
Raspberry Kolaczki Cookies shine alongside a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. They’re perfect for brunch spreads, dessert tables, or as an afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite warm drink. Their delicate sweetness complements savory cheeses and fresh fruit quite well too, making for a diverse serving experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies on a rustic wooden serving board surrounded by fresh flowers or seasonal fruit for a charming homemade look at parties or family gatherings. For a fun twist, offer a small bowl of raspberry jam or cream cheese frosting alongside so guests can add extra sweetness if desired!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Raspberry Kolaczki Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their freshness and flaky texture beautifully for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic bake-ahead treat for busy weeks or spontaneous guests.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies after they have cooled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet initially, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, ready whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, simply let them thaw at room temperature and pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the flaky texture and reawakens the raspberry aroma for a freshly baked taste sensation.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam for the Raspberry Kolaczki Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic and delicious, you can swap it for apricot, strawberry, or even blackberry jam. Each jam will bring a unique flavor twist while keeping the cookies just as delightful.
Is there a way to make these cookies gluten free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, ideally one designed for pastries to maintain that tender, flaky texture. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions for any necessary adjustments.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. This actually helps the flavors develop, so it’s a convenient option for busy schedules.
Why is the dough chilled before rolling?
Chilling firms up the butter and cream cheese, which makes the dough easier to handle and roll thinly. It also helps the cookies to maintain their shape during baking, resulting in that signature flaky texture.
What if I don’t have cream cheese; can I substitute it?
Cream cheese is key to the dough’s tenderness and flavor. While you could experiment with mascarpone or a softer butter alternative, the texture and taste may change. For authentic Raspberry Kolaczki Cookies Recipe results, cream cheese is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing the Raspberry Kolaczki Cookies Recipe. It’s more than just a cookie; it’s a celebration of comfort, tradition, and simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. I encourage you to dive into this recipe, experience the joy of baking these delicate treats, and share the love with friends and family. Once you try them, I’m sure these kolaczki cookies will find a permanent spot in your baking repertoire.
Print
Raspberry Kolaczki Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Raspberry Kolaczki Cookies are tender, flaky pastries filled with sweet raspberry jam, perfect for festive occasions or an everyday sweet treat. Made with a buttery cream cheese dough, these charming cookies are folded around a fruity center and dusted with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (8 oz) salted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
Filling and Topping
- ½ cup raspberry jam
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth creating a rich base.
- Add sweeteners: Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and silky.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a soft, pliable dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to â…›-inch thickness for delicate layers.
- Cut and fill: Cut the dough into 2-inch squares. Place ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of each square. Fold two opposite corners over the jam and seal edges using a mixture of egg white and water to ensure they stay closed during baking.
- Bake cookies: Arrange the filled cookies on prepared baking sheets, bake for 10 minutes or until edges turn golden brown indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool and dust: Allow the cookies to cool completely on racks, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving to add a sweet, snowy finish.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Refrigeration of dough is key to maintain shape and prevent spreading.
- Raspberry jam can be substituted with other fruit preserves like apricot or strawberry for different flavors.
- Handle the dough gently to keep the cookies flaky and tender.
- Use egg white wash to seal corners so jam does not leak during baking.
