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Craving a delicate, fruity, and flaky treat that won’t break the bank? Polish Kolaczki cookies are here to impress! These traditional pastries are filled with fruit preserves and baked to golden perfection. Best of all, they’re surprisingly simple to make with a few pantry staples, making them a perfect budget-friendly dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or expensive ingredients.
- Flaky & Buttery: Perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for family gatherings or holiday baking.
What You’ll Need:
| Ingredient | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (2 cups) | $0.50 |
| Butter (1 cup) | $1.00 |
| Cream cheese (8 oz) | $1.00 |
| Sugar (1/4 cup) | $0.25 |
| Fruit preserves (1/2 cup) | $1.00 |
| Egg (1) | $0.15 |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | $0.25 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4.15 |
Step-By-Step Instructions for Kolaczki Cookies
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth. Gradually add in the flour and mix until a dough forms. Chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into squares (about 2 inches each).
- Add the Filling: Place a small teaspoon of your favorite fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, or strawberry work great) in the center of each square.
- Fold & Pinch: Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape, pinching the edges to seal them. If you like, you can slightly press the edges with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Finish with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for that classic, finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Success:
- Fruit Preserves: While the classic filling is fruit preserves, feel free to get creative! You can use any fruit jam, Nutella, or even cream cheese filling.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It makes the dough easier to handle and ensures that your cookies will bake up with that perfect flaky texture.
- Shape Variations: Kolaczki can be made in many shapes—triangles, rectangles, or even pinwheel spirals. Use your creativity to make them fun and unique!
Storage Tips:
Kolaczki cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them before dusting with powdered sugar, and simply thaw when ready to serve!
More Sweet Treats You’ll Love:
Looking for more budget-friendly desserts? Try these:
- Basbousa Bliss: This Egyptian Semolina Cake Is Sweet, Moist, and Super Cheap!
- Turkish Delight on a Dime: A Fragrant, Chewy Treat You Can Make at Home
- Lazy Day Cookie Bars: Zero Effort, Maximum Flavor (and Budget-Friendly!)
For more delicious international dessert ideas, check out Taste of Home.
Final Thoughts
Polish Kolaczki cookies are a delightful treat that’s both easy and inexpensive to make. The combination of buttery dough and fruity filling creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for any occasion. With a sprinkle of powdered sugar, you’ve got a showstopper dessert that anyone can enjoy!
