Kolacki

Kolacki Recipe from Poland - Rich and Buttery Cookies with Walnuts

Region / culture: Poland | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: makes approximately 48 cookies

Introduction

Kolacki are traditional Polish cookies that are typically served during the holiday season. These delicate pastries are filled with a sweet walnut mixture and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

History

Kolacki have been a staple in Polish cuisine for generations. The recipe has been passed down through families and is often made during special occasions and holidays.

Ingredients

Cookies

1 lb (454 g) of butter
1 lb (454 g) of cream cheese
4 cups of flour
0.25 tsp of vanilla

Filling

2 cups of chopped walnuts
0.25 cup of sugar
1 egg white
1 tsp of vanilla

How to prepare

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate overnight.
Keep the mixture cold throughout the entire preparation.
Roll out the dough on a surface coated with confectioners' sugar.
Cut the dough into squares, approximately 1.5 inches in size.
Beat the egg white until frothy, then add the remaining ingredients.
Place 0.5 tsp of filling onto each square of dough.
Roll the filled cookie, starting from one corner and rolling towards the next.
Roll the filled cookies in confectioners' sugar before baking.
Place the cookies on a cookie sheet, with the seam side facing down.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes.
Roll the baked cookies again in confectioners' sugar.

Variations

Try filling the cookies with apricot or raspberry preserves for a fruity twist.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm and cozy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to keep the dough cold throughout the entire preparation process to ensure the cookies hold their shape.

- Rolling the dough on a surface coated with confectioners' sugar will prevent sticking and add a touch of sweetness to the cookies.

- Be sure to roll the filled cookies in confectioners' sugar before and after baking for a beautiful finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kolacki with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling the dough on a surface coated with confectioners' sugar will prevent sticking and add a touch of sweetness to the cookies.

- Be sure to keep the dough cold throughout the entire preparation process to ensure the cookies hold their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the walnuts in the filling with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.

- If you don't have cream cheese on hand, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake the cookies.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Kolacki on a decorative platter and dust with additional confectioners' sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Kolacki pair well with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of hot cocoa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Kolacki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kolacki contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kolacki contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kolacki contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kolacki contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Kolacki are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Kolacki contain dairy (butter, cream cheese) and nuts (walnuts) and may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Kolacki are a delicious treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high fat and calorie content.

Summary

Kolacki are a delightful Polish cookie filled with a sweet walnut mixture. These delicate pastries are perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea. Enjoy them with a warm beverage for a cozy treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by it. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had belonged to my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, I came across a recipe for Kolacki, a traditional Polish pastry filled with sweet fruit preserves. Instantly, I was drawn to the simplicity and elegance of the recipe, and I knew I had to try my hand at making it.

I had always been fascinated by the culinary traditions of my Polish heritage. Growing up, my grandmother would regale me with stories of her own mother's kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked bread and pastries filled the air. I would sit at her feet, wide-eyed with wonder, as she described the intricate process of making each dish from scratch. It was in those moments that my love for cooking was born.

As I read through the recipe for Kolacki, memories of my grandmother's kitchen flooded back to me. I could almost hear the sound of her rolling out dough on the wooden table, her hands deftly shaping each pastry with practiced precision. I knew that I had to honor her memory by mastering this recipe myself.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the instructions with care. The dough came together easily, a simple combination of flour, butter, and cream cheese. I rolled it out on a floured surface, the smooth texture of the dough beneath my fingertips a comforting reminder of the many hours I had spent in my own kitchen, perfecting my craft.

Next came the filling – a dollop of sweet fruit preserves nestled in the center of each pastry. I carefully folded the dough over the filling, crimping the edges with a fork to seal in the deliciousness. As I placed the Kolacki on a baking sheet and slid them into the oven, I felt a sense of pride and anticipation wash over me.

The smell of warm butter and sugar filled the kitchen as the pastries baked to a golden perfection. I watched through the oven door, my heart swelling with joy at the sight of the Kolacki rising and browning before my eyes. When they were finally done, I pulled them out of the oven and set them on a cooling rack, the sweet aroma enveloping me like a warm embrace.

I couldn't wait to taste my creation. I picked up a Kolacki, the delicate flakiness of the pastry crumbling in my hand. I took a bite, the sweet fruit filling bursting on my tongue in a symphony of flavors. It was perfection – just as I had imagined it would be.

As I savored the last crumbs of my Kolacki, I thought of my grandmother and all the women who had come before me, passing down their recipes and culinary wisdom through the generations. I felt a deep connection to my roots, a sense of belonging that could only be found in the comfort of a warm kitchen and the scent of freshly baked pastries.

From that day on, Kolacki became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make them for special occasions, sharing them with friends and family who marveled at their beauty and taste. Each time I baked a batch, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude for the traditions that had been passed down to me, and the love that infused every bite.

And so, dear reader, I urge you to seek out the recipes of your own ancestors – to honor their memory and keep their culinary traditions alive. For in those recipes lies the heart and soul of a family, a heritage that can never be forgotten. And who knows, you may just discover a new favorite dish that will become a cherished part of your own culinary journey.