Kolachki

Kolachki are a type of cookie originating from Central and Eastern Europe, particularly popular in Czech, Slovak, and Polish cuisines. They are often made with a rich, buttery dough, which can be enriched with eggs, sugar, and sometimes a touch of lemon zest or vanilla for flavor. The dough is typically rolled out and then cut into various shapes, often diamonds or squares, before being baked until golden brown.

A distinctive feature of many kolachki is their filling. Traditionally, they are filled with a sweet paste made from fruits like apricot, plum, or cherry. Nut fillings, such as walnut or poppy seed, are also common. The filling is often placed in the center of the dough before it is folded or sealed. Some variations exist where the dough is a simple cookie base and the filling is added after baking, or the dough is formed into a small cup to hold the filling.

Kolachki are a festive treat, frequently prepared for holidays such as Christmas and Easter. They are also enjoyed as an everyday dessert or with coffee. Their texture can range from slightly crisp to tender and crumbly, depending on the specific recipe. The combination of a buttery cookie and a sweet, often slightly tart, filling makes them a beloved pastry in many households.