Name: Kolache Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 30 min
Cook time: PT-486481H56M24S
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Czech-American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup cream cheese; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup fruit preserves (apricot, prune, or raspberry); 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tbsp milk or cream

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come flooding back with this delightful kolache cookie recipe that bridges Czech traditions and homemade comfort.

Soft, pillowy dough cradles vibrant fruit preserves in a delicate embrace.

Generations have cherished these tender pastries passed down through family cookbooks.

Baking these treats connects you to rich cultural roots and warm kitchen moments.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with just a few careful steps.

Butter, flour, and love blend together to create a nostalgic bite that whispers stories of distant homelands.

Roll up your sleeves and let the baking adventure begin, these kolaches are waiting to steal your heart.

Masterfully Simple: Dive into a recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a delightful pastry without complicated techniques.
Quick Comfort Creation: Craft these kolaches with minimal prep, making them perfect for spontaneous baking moments or sudden sweet cravings.
Versatile Flavor Canvas: Customize with different fruit preserves, allowing endless variations to suit every taste preference and mood.
Family Gathering Star: These cookies bring people together, sparking conversations and creating warm memories around the kitchen table.

For the Dough Base:

Butter: A creamy ingredient that provides rich flavor and tender texture to the cookies.
Cream Cheese: Adds moisture and creates a soft, tangy foundation for the dough.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookie base and helps create a light, delicate texture.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.

For the Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie dough.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

For the Filling and Topping:

Fruit Preserves: Provides a sweet, fruity center for the kolaches.
Cinnamon, Granulated Sugar: Creates a warm, spiced topping that adds depth to the cookies.
Powdered Sugar, Milk: Combines to make a delicate glaze for finishing the kolaches.

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Base

Bring butter and cream cheese to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, blend:

Softened butter
Cream cheese
Granulated sugar

Whip until the mixture becomes light and fluffy with a silky smooth consistency.

Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients

Gently incorporate:

Egg
Vanilla extract

Whisk thoroughly until the mixture looks completely uniform and silky.

Step 3: Form Tender Dough

Carefully fold in:

All-purpose flour
Salt

Mix gently to create a soft dough, avoiding overmixing which can make cookies tough.

Step 4: Chill And Rest

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. This helps the dough become firmer and easier to handle.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 6: Roll And Shape Dough

Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares or circles.

Step 7: Create Filling

Place a small spoonful of fruit preserves in the center of each dough piece, leaving a border around the edges.

Step 8: Add Flavor Boost

Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over the preserves to enhance the filling’s taste.

Step 9: Form Rustic Edges

Gently fold the dough edges slightly inward, creating a free-form shape that partially covers the filling.

Step 10: Arrange And Bake

Position kolaches on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 11: Cool And Finish

Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack.

Step 12: Final Touch

Dust with powdered sugar mixed with milk to create a delicate, sweet glaze.

Step 13: Serve And Enjoy

Serve these traditional Czech-inspired cookies at room temperature, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Soften Ingredients Strategically: Allow butter and cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to achieve a silky-smooth texture that blends effortlessly.
Avoid Overmixing Dough: Gently fold flour and salt into the mixture, stopping just when ingredients combine to prevent tough, dense cookies.
Chill for Superior Texture: Refrigerate dough for 1-2 hours to enhance flavor development and make rolling easier, creating more consistent cookies.
Master Precise Cutting: Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to create uniform 2-inch squares, ensuring even baking and professional-looking results.
Preserve Filling Perfectly: Leave a small border around fruit preserves when filling to prevent leakage and achieve a clean, elegant appearance during baking.

Gluten-Free Kolaches: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic texture and taste.
Vegan Fruit Cookies: Substitute butter and cream cheese with coconut oil and plant-based cream cheese alternatives, using flax egg as a binding agent.
Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and select low-sugar fruit preserves to reduce overall sugar content.
Savory Cheese Variation: Skip sweet preserves and fill with herbed goat cheese, caramelized onions, or small pieces of crispy bacon for a savory twist.

Pair with Sparkling Sweet Wine: Enhance the fruity preserves and delicate pastry with a chilled moscato or prosecco that complements the cookie's light sweetness.
Serve alongside Creamy Coffee: Match the kolaches with a smooth cappuccuso or latte, allowing the rich dairy notes to balance the cookie's delicate texture.
Combine with Fresh Berries: Plate the kolaches with a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries to amplify the fruit preserve's natural flavors and add a bright, tangy contrast.
Create a Dessert Experience with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a warm kolache with a small scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, melting slightly to create a decadent, temperature-contrasting treat.

Store cooled kolaches in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Wrap individual kolaches tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
Warm gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes, restoring their crisp edges and soft center. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
Let frozen kolaches thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, ensuring they regain their original delightful consistency.

What are kolaches originally from?

Kolaches originated in the Czech Republic, traditionally made as sweet pastries filled with fruit preserves or poppy seeds.

Can I use different types of fruit preserves?

Yes, you can experiment with various fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or cherry to create unique flavor combinations.

How do I prevent my kolaches from spreading too much while baking?

Chill the dough thoroughly before baking and ensure your butter and cream cheese are at the right temperature to maintain the cookie’s shape.

Are kolaches similar to any other pastries?

Kolaches are similar to Danish pastries and fruit-filled cookies, but they have a distinct Czech heritage and preparation method.

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Single-serving recipe development
Global flavor fusion
Minimalist cooking techniques
Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training

Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.