Kolacky Cookies with Fruit Filling Recipe
Introduction
Kolacky cookies are delightful, tender pastries filled with sweet fruit jam, perfect for any occasion. Their flaky texture and fruity centers make them a favorite treat that’s both elegant and easy to make 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, or others; blend smooth if chunky)
- Confectioners’ Sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a stand mixer, combine cold butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and mix until well blended. Cover and chill the dough for 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat your 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 dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into squares using a pastry cutter or knife.
- Step 4: Place a small spoonful of fruit filling in the center of each square. Bring two opposite corners of the square to the center, overlapping them to close the cookie. For better sealing, add a little filling between the overlapped corners to help them stick together.
- Step 5: Arrange the cookies on the prepared sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through baking, check the cookies and gently press any opened corners back to the center to keep them closed.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Once cool, dust them with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Tips & Variations
- If your fruit pie filling is chunky, blend it smooth in a food processor to prevent tearing the dough.
- Try different fruit fillings like apricot, raspberry, or cherry to vary the flavors.
- Chilling the dough thoroughly makes it easier to handle and helps create flaky cookies.
Storage
Store kolacky cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in a low-temperature oven to refresh their texture before serving.
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 cutting. This can actually improve the texture and flavor.
What type of fruit pie filling works best?
Any smooth fruit pie filling works well. Apricot, raspberry, and cherry are traditional favorites. If your filling is chunky, blend it until smooth to avoid tearing the dough.
Print
Kolacky Cookies with Fruit Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kolacky cookies are delightful Eastern European pastries made with a tender cream cheese and butter dough filled with sweet fruit preserves. This recipe features a rich, flaky dough wrapped around smooth fruit filling, baked to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar for a delicate finish, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat.
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, or other; if chunky, blend smooth in a food processor)
Topping
- Confectioners’ Sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer, combine cold butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Slowly add in the all-purpose flour while mixing until the dough is well blended and smooth. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your 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 evenly until it reaches about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a pastry cutter or knife, cut the dough into squares, roughly 2 to 3 inches on each side.
- Add Filling and Shape Cookies: Place a small spoonful of fruit pie filling in the center of each dough square. If the filling contains large fruit pieces, blend it until smooth before use. Fold two opposite corners of each square toward the center, overlapping them to close the cookie securely. For better adhesion, place a little filling between the overlapping corners to act as glue.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Check halfway through baking to ensure the cookies have not opened; if so, gently press the corners back together.
- Cool and Finish: Once baked, transfer the cookies to cooling racks and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the tops generously with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother filling texture, blend any chunky fruit filling in a food processor before using.
- Ensure the dough is chilled well to make it easier to roll and shape.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Check cookies halfway during baking to keep them closed and maintain their shape.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings to vary the flavor.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Keywords: Kolacky cookies, cream cheese pastry, fruit-filled cookies, Eastern European dessert, vanilla cookies, fruit pie filling cookies, holiday cookies

