Kolache Cookies

Yields: Approximately 2 dozen cookies

Preparation Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Baking Time: 18 minutes

Calories per Serving: 91

Contains Allergens: Milk, Wheat, Gluten

Dietary Preference: Vegetarian

Ingredients:

• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick salted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons jam of choice
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until a smooth dough forms. Alternatively, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until combined.
2. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight. Note: The dough will be soft.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
4. On a floured work surface, divide the chilled dough in half. Return one half to the refrigerator. Roll out the other half of the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut the rolled-out dough into approximately 12 squares, each measuring roughly 2 1/2 inches. Re-form any leftover dough and roll it out again as needed.
6. Place the dough squares onto the prepared baking sheet. Add a spoonful of jam to the center of each square.
7. Fold two opposite corners of each square toward the center to create a triangular shape, enclosing the jam filling.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and jam. If there is extra dough, re-roll it to make additional squares.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.
11. Optionally, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar using a sieve before serving.