Solo kolacky, a beloved traditional pastry, holds a special place in many Eastern European cultures. These delightful treats are commonly served during holidays and special occasions, bringing joy and sweetness to every bite.
The name “kolacky” itself evokes warm memories of family gatherings and cherished recipes passed down through generations.
What is Solo Kolacky?
Solo kolacky is a type of pastry that consists of a buttery dough filled with a sweet fruit filling, most commonly raspberry.
The dough is folded around the filling to create a pillow-like shape, and the pastry is then baked until golden brown. The end result is a tender, flaky pastry with a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
What Does It Taste Like?
Solo kolacky is a delightful combination of rich buttery dough and sweet fruit filling. The pastry itself is tender and flaky, with a buttery richness that melts in your mouth.
The sweet fruit filling adds a burst of flavor, balancing the richness of the dough with its tangy sweetness. Each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.
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Why This Recipe Works?
1. Butter and cream cheese: The combination of softened butter and cream cheese creates a rich and tender dough that bakes up beautifully.
2. Egg yolk and milk: The addition of egg yolk and milk adds richness to the dough, resulting in a pastry that is both tender and flavorful.
3. Solo Raspberry Fruit Filling: The use of Solo Raspberry Fruit Filling provides a deliciously sweet and tangy filling that pairs perfectly with the buttery dough.
4. Powdered sugar topping: Dusting the finished kolacky with powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a decorative element to the pastry.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Butter or margarine: Butter or margarine serves as the fat component in the dough. It adds richness and flavor to the kolacky, creating a tender and flaky texture. Butter also helps the dough hold its shape and provides a delicious buttery taste.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese adds richness and tanginess to the dough. It enhances the flavor and texture of the kolacky, making it soft and creamy. Cream cheese also helps tenderize the dough and adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the filling.
- Milk: Milk adds moisture to the dough and helps bind the ingredients together. It contributes to the soft and tender texture of the kolacky while also providing richness and flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and adds sweetness to the kolacky. It provides a deliciously sweet flavor and caramelizes slightly during baking, creating a golden crust on the outside of the kolacky.
- Egg yolk: Egg yolk enriches the dough and adds richness and color. It helps bind the ingredients together and creates a soft and tender crumb in the finished kolacky. Egg yolk also contributes to the golden color of the dough and adds a subtle richness to the flavor.
- All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough. It provides structure and volume to the kolacky, helping it rise and hold its shape during baking. All-purpose flour also contains gluten, which gives the kolacky its chewy texture and crumb.
- Baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent in the dough, helping it rise and become light and airy. It creates air pockets in the dough, resulting in a soft and fluffy texture in the finished kolacky.
- Solo Raspberry Fruit Filling: Solo Raspberry Fruit Filling serves as the delicious and flavorful filling for the kolacky. It adds sweetness, tartness, and fruity flavor to the kolacky, creating a burst of flavor with every bite. The raspberry filling also adds moisture and richness to the kolacky, making it even more indulgent and delicious.
- Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is used as a garnish for the kolacky. It adds a sweet and decorative touch to the finished pastries, enhancing their appearance and flavor.
Step by Step Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining the softened butter, cream cheese, milk, and granulated sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and the mixture becomes smooth. Then, add in the egg yolk and continue beating until well combined.
Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Next, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the bowl containing the butter mixture. Stir until the ingredients come together to form a stiff dough. Ensure that all the flour is fully incorporated into the dough.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate the dough for several hours or overnight. Chilling the dough will help it firm up and become easier to handle when rolling out.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Once the dough has chilled sufficiently, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.
Step 5: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Then, use a floured 2-inch cookie cutter to cut out individual cookies from the rolled dough. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one.
Step 6: Create Indentations and Add Filling
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie. Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of Solo Raspberry Fruit Filling into the indentation of each cookie, ensuring they are evenly filled.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Transfer the baking sheets with the prepared cookies into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Step 8: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle the tops of the kolacky cookies with powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the solo kolacky cookies on a serving platter and serve them to family and friends. These delightful treats are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or as a sweet snack any time of day. Enjoy!
Notes:
– For best results, make sure the butter, cream cheese, and egg yolk are at room temperature before beginning.
– Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in a tough pastry.
– Experiment with different fruit fillings, such as apricot or cherry, for variety.
– Store any leftover kolacky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
– These pastries can also be frozen for longer storage; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information:
– Serving size: 1 kolacky
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 8g
– Cholesterol: 25mg
– Sodium: 70mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 18g
– Protein: 2g
How To Store The Leftovers?
Store any leftover solo kolacky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, you can also freeze the pastries in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Sides For Solo Kolacky:
1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing solo kolacky with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of warm pastry and cold, creamy ice cream.
2. Fresh Berries: Serve solo kolacky with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, for a burst of fruity freshness.
3. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of solo kolacky adds a light and airy element that complements the richness of the pastry.
4. Hot Coffee: Enjoy your solo kolacky with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy and comforting treat that is perfect for any time of day.
What are some alternative choices to the ingredients in case they are not in your pantry?
1. Butter: If you don’t have butter on hand, you can substitute an equal amount of margarine or shortening for a similar result.
2. Cream Cheese: In place of cream cheese, you can use an equal amount of ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy and creamy dough.
3. Solo Raspberry Fruit Filling: If you don’t have Solo Raspberry Fruit Filling, you can use any fruit preserves or pie filling of your choice for a different flavor profile.
4. All-purpose flour: Substitute an equal amount of pastry flour or cake flour for a lighter and more tender pastry.
Solo Kolacky Recipe
Equipment
- Medium-sized bowl
- Electric mixer
- Sifter
- Plastic wrap or lid
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or greasing agent
- rolling pin
- 2-inch cookie cutter
- Spoon or thumb (for creating indentations)
- Wire racks
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Baking powder
- All-purpose flour
- 1 package softened 8 oz cream cheese,
- 1 egg yolk
- Powdered sugar
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 12 ounce Can Solo Raspberry Fruit Filling
Instructions
- Begin by combining the softened butter, cream cheese, milk, and granulated sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and the mixture becomes smooth. Then, add in the egg yolk and continue beating until well combined.
- Next, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the bowl containing the butter mixture. Stir until the ingredients come together to form a stiff dough. Ensure that all the flour is fully incorporated into the dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate the dough for several hours or overnight. Chilling the dough will help it firm up and become easier to handle when rolling out.
- Once the dough has chilled sufficiently, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Then, use a floured 2-inch cookie cutter to cut out individual cookies from the rolled dough. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie. Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of Solo Raspberry Fruit Filling into the indentation of each cookie, ensuring they are evenly filled.
- Transfer the baking sheets with the prepared cookies into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle the tops of the kolacky cookies with powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
- Arrange the solo kolacky cookies on a serving platter and serve them to family and friends. These delightful treats are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or as a sweet snack any time of day. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, make sure the butter, cream cheese, and egg yolk are at room temperature before beginning.
- Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in a tough pastry.
- Experiment with different fruit fillings, such as apricot or cherry, for variety.
- Store any leftover kolacky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These pastries can also be frozen for longer storage; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Can I make solo kolacky ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and fillings ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble the kolacky and bake as directed.
Q2. Can I freeze solo kolacky after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked solo kolacky in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Q3. Can I use a different fruit filling for solo kolacky?
Absolutely! Experiment with different fruit fillings such as apricot, cherry, or peach to create a variety of flavors for your solo kolacky.
Q4. Can I make mini solo kolacky for a party or gathering?
Yes, you can easily make mini solo kolacky by cutting the dough into smaller pieces and using a smaller amount of filling. These bite-sized pastries are perfect for parties and gatherings.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, solo kolacky is more than just a pastry – it’s a delightful treat that brings joy and memories with every bite. With its rich history and irresistible flavors, solo kolacky has earned its place as a beloved traditional dessert.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, solo kolacky is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a taste of tradition with homemade solo kolacky.