Strawberry Cream Cheese Kolacky are indulgent pastries, perfect for your dessert table. These delightful cookies, filled with a rich blend of cheesecake and strawberry jam, are ideal for various occasions such as holidays, baby showers, wedding showers, and birthdays, adding a touch of sweetness to each celebration.
Soft, flaky, and delicious pastries filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture and strawberry jam. Also known as Kolacky, these pastries are made with a rich, buttery dough that is infused with cream cheese, giving them a tangy and creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and fruity filling.
Ingredients For Kolacky
- 2 packages (16-ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (16 tablespoons or 226 grams)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar plus more for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- strawberry jam
How To Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Kolacky
- Make the dough: In your mixer’s bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add in the flour and salt and continue to mix until combined.
- Lightly dust your work area with powdered sugar. Transfer the dough to the work area and shape it into a ball. Divide it into 4 rounds; flatten each round and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the creamy filling: In the meantime, prepare the filling by combining the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a mixer’s bowl. Beat until creamy and smooth.
- Dust the work area with flour. Remove the dough from the fridge and let it rest for 5 minutes. Roll out each ball of dough to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut it into 3×3 squares.
- Fill the center of each square with cream cheese mixture and strawberry jam. For a prettier presentation, using a pastry bag, you can pipe the fillings, one over the other.
- Overlap opposite corners of the dough to the center and over the filling. Pinch the seams together. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375˚F. Bake the cookies for 10 to 11 minutes or until the edges are browned.
- Cool completely and serve.
Recipe Tips And Variations
- Sensitive Dough: I’m always a little hesitant about sharing these from-back-home recipes with you because some of them require a little bit of kitchen skill. Just a little. For instance, this dough. It’s amazing, but it’s also a diva. If you don’t chill it, it will fall apart. Also!?! Using too much filling will make the cookies soggy.
- Freeze the Dough: Keep in mind that you can make the dough hours ahead of time or freeze it! Then all that’s left to do is thaw it out, roll the dough, cut it into small squares, and arrange the filling in the center of the squares. And bake, of course.
- Sweet Filling: Also, you don’t have to use my strawberry cheesecake filling. Popular fillings for kolache are peach jam, apricot, raspberry, and strawberry or cherry preserves.
- Storing: Do not leave these on the kitchen counter. One, because they will disappear in seconds, and two, because, again, you don’t want to deal with sog-fest. Store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Cookie Recipes
- Raw Sugar Thumbprint Cookies
- Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies
- Cherry Lime Mascarpone Cookie Cups
- Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries
Soft, flaky, and delicious cream cheese dough filled with a sweet cream cheese and strawberry jam filling.
Servings : 26 servings
Ingredients
For the Pastries
- 1 package (8-ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (16 tablespoons or 226 grams)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- powdered sugar for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1 package (8-ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, if you prefer it sweeter, add more powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- strawberry jam
Instructions
- In your mixer's bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, light, and fluffy.
- Add the flour and salt and continue to mix until thoroughly incorporated.
- Lightly dust your work area with powdered sugar.
- Transfer the dough to the work area and shape it into a ball.
- Divide it into 4 rounds; flatten each round and cover each round of dough with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare the filling by combining the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in your mixer's bowl. Beat until creamy and smooth. Set it aside.
- Dust your work area with flour.
- Remove the dough from the fridge and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Roll out each ball of dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Then, cut it into 3×3 squares.
- Fill the center of each square with 1/2 teaspoon cream cheese mixture and 1/2 teaspoon strawberry jam. For a prettier presentation, using a pastry bag, you can pipe the fillings, one next to the other or one over the other.
- Overlap opposite corners of the dough to the center and over the filling. Pinch the seams together. Refrigerate the cookie for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
- Remove the cookies from the fridge and bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are browned.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely.
- Serve.
Notes
- Cream Cheese: This recipe works best with full-fat cream cheese. Make sure it is softened before you start to work with it.
- Butter: Use two sticks of softened unsalted butter. That is 16 tablespoons or 226 grams of butter.
- Jam Filling: You can use whatever jam or preserves you have on hand. In fact, for a more authentic kolacky, you don’t even have to make the cream cheese filling – just use the jam.
- Do not skip the refrigeration time before rolling out the dough AND before baking the pastries.
- Store the pastries in airtight containers and keep them refrigerated. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. I suggest freezing them filled but not baked. When you need them, you can thaw them on the counter and then bake them as needed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cookie | Calories: 168 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 13 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g | Trans Fat: 0.3 g | Cholesterol: 36 mg | Sodium: 101 mg | Potassium: 36 mg | Fiber: 0.3 g | Sugar: 3 g | Vitamin A: 452 IU | Calcium: 21 mg | Iron: 0.5 mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Did you make this recipe?Leave a Rating!
Can you use cresent rolls as a fast alternative sl
Absolutely. Just fill the dough with the strawberry and cream cheese filling, and then follow the directions on the package for cooking time.
Hi, we got there in the end and tastes really nice. BUT put more flour and make sure it does not stick- just soft enough to make into a ball with your hands and your good. Also a nice thin doe so it heats nicely through in the oven. The recipe is a little off with the flour otherwise very very nice. Thanks for the recipe. Merry Christmas.
Sounds wonderful. Do you think I can make it “KETO” using almond flour and Truvia?
Is it ok to use bakers apricot. I wanted to make these, but am afraid the dough will puff up to much. But will try your recipe. Thanks
Took longer then said (I took over 2 hours) but, in the end they are very well worth it!
I also didn’t have jam so I used about five chocolate chips in each and they’re great pairing!
Making these tonight!
So much fun! Well done!
These look fabulous!
I’ve been drooling over these since you first shared them. I’m just going to have to make a batch!!!
This may be a beginner’s question, but at what point do you freeze them? Do you bake them then freeze them or freeze them before baking and then bake them the day you will serve them? Thanks
Hi Karen! Bake and freeze is the best option. First, let them cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and arrange them in a single layer, line each layer with waxed paper, and freeze. They will be good for up to 3 months. I hope this helps. Happy Holidays!
Thanks for the quick reply. I will try these for Christmas. Thanks!
I’m going to try these. I’m new to this but I love trying new things. It’s all a science, a little of this and that and poof you have an amazing dessert. I just love creating new things. I make so many soups. But desserts are so much fun. I just can not wait to try these I’m sure my family and friends will love them.
Hi, I have been looking for a recipe just like this except to fill it with a date filling. Just not sure how to make a date filling- any ideas?
Made these today for my single regulars for valentines. Big hit !!! They were alittle sticky but not enough you couldn’t work with. I always seem to put to much filling in them but who doesn’t want alittle extra yum? I can’t eat them but oh so temping, with so much great reactions on them it was great seeing them loved. Great job thanks a lot. Traci
I tried this recipe and threw everything out! It was way too sticky and ran together! What a waste of ingredients and time! I am so upset ! Took some time to make and wasted all those expensive ingredients. I don’t know what went wrong but I read it and reread it and I still don’t know.
I am so sorry you had problems with the recipe, Cindy. 🙁 Can you tell me what was too sticky? The dough? Did you refrigerate it? Let me know, if you have a minute.
I am making these now and they look delicious. I was planning on serving them in 2 days. Will they keep in an air tight containter at room temperature or should I freeze them and take them out the day of?
Hi Dee! They will be fine if they stay out for a couple of days, so long as they are covered. Wishing you a beautiful Christmas!
Hey! Just want to say this was kinda fun for me and my mom but MAJOR question… was the dough suppose to be sticky or did we do something wrong???
Hi Juanita! It shouldn’t have been dry, but it shouldn’t be sticky, either. I can only guess, but maybe you didn’t scoop out enough flour? Adding just a bit more flour would’ve helped out. Did the pastries turn out for you?
I was wondering if you can prepare these the night before and bake the next morning?
Hi Tawnya! Yes, you absolutely can, but keep them in the fridge. Thank you!!
Did you bake them with the toothpick holding them together? I can’t wait to make these. I just “found” you and signed up for emails immediately. Will be fun going back to see all your recipes. Thanks for sharing. Could you please email me the answer? (I have some computer problems in going back.) yxelyxel (@at) frontier (.dot) com
Hi Lexy! Thank you for reaching out!
I just sent an email to that address, but it came back as undelivered. Hopefully you will be able to see this message.
You won’t need anything to hold the pastries together. I do use the toothpick initially to make the dough stick, but I don’t bake them with toothpicks.
I hope you do get a chance to try the pastries – they are amazing!
Have a wonderful Sunday!!
Instead of making the pastry, would it make much difference if I was to use sweet pastry from the supermarket?
Hi Amanda! Are you talking about puff pastry? I would advise not to use puff pastry as this cookie is much different. The dough is the cookie. I hope you understand what I mean. 😀
No I don’t mean puff pastry. Im from New Zealand, and over here we have something called sweet pastry, which can be used for baking and dessert like items
HI Amanda! I don’t think I’ve used anything similar to that for these particular pastries, but you can try it especially since it’s used as pastry dough. I’d give it a try.
Thank you
Hi, Darlene! I have never used cake flour to make these pastries so I am not completely sure if it would make a big difference. But to be on the safe side, see if you can use all-purpose flour, instead.
Can I use cake flour for this
Can I use cake flour for this
This looks a lot like a family recipe for kolache. I’m going to make yours today since mine calls for even more butter & today I have more cream cheese than butter. I also have blueberry filling since it’s my son’s fave.
Hi Cyndi! We also call them “kolachi”! 🙂 Let me know how they worked out for you! Happy Holidays!!
Reminds me of the kiffels my Czech mom used to make only we used apricot jam and we made our dough in the evening and refrigerated over nite. Your recipe looks a little easier so I’ll be trying it soon. Can’t wait.
I’ve had kiffels before! They are amazing!! Let me know how you like these pastries. 🙂
Looks like there is a dot in the middle. Is that from sealing with a toothpick or something to keep it shut?
Hi!
That’s from the toothpick that I used to keep the dough sealed. Normally I would just smooth it out, but I left it there because it adds a bit of character to the picture… I think? 😉
I thought so when I saw it. I agree it adds character! I have another recipe that folds like this and so many open. I will make these but use that trick for those as well.
Is it fine to make the dough the night before and leave it in the fridge that long?
Made this last weekend this recipe was great. Make sure you chill the dough before rolling since it was hard to roll with the first batch when we did not initially refrigerate the dough. Great recipe!
So delicious! I used red raspberry jam instead and it was amazing!
I actually “borrowed” your filling recipe for a quick breakfast, because I forgot to run to the store. I made the filling and put it in some Pillsbury crescent rolls and topped it with a simple icing. It worked wonderfully but, I have some filling left over. How long do you think will it last in the fridge?
Hi Cassie!! Your recipe sounds SO GOOD!!
What you can do is place the prepared cream cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate it for about 3 days.
Hello, 🙂
stunning recipe an photos !!!!
can you tell me how much butter in grams
because in my country 1 stick = 250 grams
so..
thanks , and do other more like this !!!!
Please!!!!
Daniela
Hi Daniela!!
1 stick of butter in the USA is 1/2 cup butter which is equal to 4 ounces, or 113 grams. I hope that helps!
I’m really happy to know that you enjoy my recipes!! Thank YOU!! I’ll definitely post more recipes like this one as soon as we get into Fall and closer to the Holiday season. 🙂
I can’t see where it says how many this recipe makes?
oops sorry, I found it.
26-30 so enough to take for a shower/party/funeral tea etc.
I am making these for my sisters baby shower on Saturday and I was going to go ahead and make them ahead of time and freeze them but when I thaw them out should I just thaw them in the refrigerator the day before and then just keep them in the fridge until ready to serve? Or are these better severed warmer?
Hi Lacy! These pastries are best at room temperature. When you take them out of the freezer, just let sit on the counter until completely thawed.
Have a wonderful time and congrats to your sister!!
On thanks!! I just didn’t want the pastry to get soggy! Thanks so much and can’t wait to try them!!
Hi! Just wondering, what is the need for refrigerating them? If my jam is a bit more liquid, will it seep through into the pastry? I don’t want them to get all soggy while refrigerating them… Thanks!
Hi, Snezhana! You have to chill the dough before rolling it out because the dough is hard to handle if at room temperature. By chilling the dough, we are giving the gluten time to settle down and relax. This makes your pastry dough easier to roll out and it won’t shrink during the baking process. Chilling also lets the moisture find its way back into the dough.
Try using a jam that is thicker with less liquid – you don’t want to end up with soggy cookies.
I hope this answers your questions! Let me know how it all goes.
Thanks!!
It went well, I’m making another batch today! 🙂 do you have any tips on how to roll the dough out? Did you roll it into a rectangular shape? Because tht doesn’t work for me , so mine didn’t come out quite as pretty as yours!
Hi Snezhana!! Glad to hear they turned out well! Were you able to roll out the dough without it springing back? If that’s the case, then it needs to be chilled a bit longer. However, if your concern is about rolling it out “perfectly”, I would suggest to roll out each dough-disk into a rectangle and then cut the dough into squares using a pizza cutter. That’s my “secret”, if you will. haha 😀 Let me know how batch #2 turns out! Have a great weekend!!
Hi Kate…butter…is it unsalted?? Or salted?? I am going to make this tomorrow or the next day, depending on quickly I hear back from ya!! Thanks!! 🙂
HI! 🙂 Ooooh I wanna make a batch, too! Use unsalted butter… I should get in the habit of indicating that in my recipes, huh? 😉
These are awesome, been looking for this recipe for a lomng time. tanks for posting, keep up the great work!
THESE ARE AWESOME, BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS RECIPE FOR A LONG TIME, THANKS SO MUCH FOR POSTING, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
These sound very much like the klatchkes from my childhood in an eastern European neighborhood. Lovely!
These look wonderful. I love the combo of strawberry and cream cheese. Yum!
Kate,
I think it’s awesome that you’re sharing Macedonian recipes–rock on!
These are absolutely perfect for Valentine’s Day! They look amazing! I wouldn’t mind ten myself 🙂
Dude, seriously, I wished you lived next door to me. You’re killing me with all your deliciousness woman. These are beautiful.
Wow.. these are really beautiful. : ) I bet they tasted amazing too.
These are so pretty and would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. They look so delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
These are just beautiful Kate! I am totally going to try making them – I know my boys would go crazy for these! Pinned!
Aren’t our grandma’s recipes the best? As soon as I saw these they reminded me of MY grandma’s! These are beautiful and I agree…they are perfect for Valentine’s Day! Pinning now!
Great pastry Kate!
These are incredibly beautiful and I can tell going to be addictive!! And of course they can pass for Valentine’s Day! They are Red!!
These are gorgeous, love the cream cheese in the pastry and the filling. Please send me a dozen! 🙂
These are so cute! They are like little love purses! Love!
i will surely do these on week end.. thanks for sharing kate!
These are so pretty! I would hate to have one, but then again, they sound delicious I probably would have a nibble or two.
I guess I would also end up having 10..100.. of these cookies :)))
I love cream cheese-based dough! The last time I used it was in a rugelah recipe years ago.
This looks irresistible! I can see why it’s dangerous to leave around.
Amazing! These are just fabulous! And pastries never last long in my house!
These cheese pastries look so beautiful!
These pastries from your neck of the woods are GORGEOUS!
These are wonderful! Like danish pastries but easier… and I’ll bet they are so good! Gorgeous!
These are adorable, Kate!! Pinning these beauties!!