Polish Christmas Cookies Recipes

KOłACZKI: POLISH CHRISTMAS COOKIES FILLED WITH JAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 356°F / 180°C
• Sift the flour onto a pastry board and chop the butter in (like you would do for a shortcrust pastry).
• Add cream cheese and egg yolk and knead the dough quickly. If necessary - sprinkle with flour. To make the dough easier to roll out, wrap it into cling film and place in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
• Roll out the dough into a thickness of 3-4 mm (1/8 inch). Cut the dough in 2 1/2 inch squares. Transfer the squares to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Put a teaspoon of jam on the centre of each square, and wrap the corners -one on top of the other - to create an open envelope.
• Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Leave to cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

GRANDMA'S POLISH COOKIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In another bowl, beat egg yolks until foamy; add milk and vanilla. Stir into crumb mixture until dough is stiff enough to knead. , Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead 8-10 times. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each portion into a 1/4-in.-thick rectangle; cut into 4x1-1/2-in. strips. Cut a 2-in. lengthwise slit down the middle of each strip; pull one of the ends through the slit like a bow., In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry dough strips, a few at a time, until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners' sugar.