Kolacky Del Babbo Classico

Polish Christmas cookies from the Chicago Tribune.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Yields: 60 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 2  teaspoons sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1  lb butter, room temperature
• 3  cups flour
•  confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. cream cheese filling: Mix together 4 ounces (1/2 package) cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Cookies: Beat together butter and the rest of the cream cheese on medium high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Add flour, one cup at a time, until well combined.
4. Divide dough into thirds, wrap each third in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least four hours.
5. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
6. Remove one packet of dough from the refrigerator.
7. Roll to 1/8 inch thickness on a floured work surface.
8. Cut into 1 1/2" squares with a pizza cutter or knife.
9. Fill each with about 1/2 teaspoon of cheese filling, fold two opposite sides of the dough together over filling to meet in the middle.
10. Place on greased cookie sheets.
11. Bake until golden (10-12 minutes).
12. Transfer to folded paper towels or flattened brown paper bags to absorb any excess grease.
13. Cool completely.
14. Repeat with remaining refrigerated dough in two more batches.
15. Sprinkle with confectionr’s sugar before serving.