Description
Kolachy Cookies are delightful Eastern European pastries featuring a flaky, tender crust paired with a rich, luscious plant-based filling. Enhanced by a natural gelling agent for perfect set filling, these vegan-friendly cookies are easy to make and versatile, perfect for snacks or festive desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup plant-based butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2–4 tablespoons cold water, as needed
For the Filling
- 1 cup fruit preserves or jam (e.g., apricot, raspberry, mixed berry)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon rustic lemon zest (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut in the plant-based butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Gradually add apple cider vinegar and cold water, mixing gently to form a soft dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flakiness and make it easier to work with.
- Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan over low heat, warm fruit preserves with granulated sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), lemon zest (natural), and almond extract (natural). Stir in the natural gelling agent and cook until the filling thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and cool completely before using.
- Roll Out and Cut the Dough: Lightly flour a clean workspace. Roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of cooled filling into the center of each dough circle.
- Shape and Seal: Fold the edges of each dough circle towards the center over the filling, either folding in four corners creating a pinwheel effect or leaving as simple rounds, depending on preference. Press gently to seal the edges without tearing the dough.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the shaped cookies for 15-18 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the dough adequately to prevent shrinking and maintain flakiness.
- Avoid overfilling the cookies to prevent leaking during baking.
- Use parchment paper for easy transfer and clean-up.
- Ensure the filling is cooled before placing it on the dough to keep its shape.
- Decorate cooled cookies with powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm grape juice glaze for added appeal.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Kolachy Cookies, plant-based cookies, flaky crust, vegan filling, Eastern European pastries, fruit preserves
