Polish Paluszki

Prep: 540 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: Polish

Polish Paluszki are delightful, flaky pastries filled with apricot, offering a sweet, buttery flavor perfect for breakfast or tea time, appealing to those who enjoy homemade baked treats.

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Ingredients

  • 5 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound Crisco
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 2 yeast cakes
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Using the first four ingredients, make dough as for pie crust.
  2. Heat milk until lukewarm and dissolve the yeast cakes in it.
  3. Add the beaten eggs to the milk and yeast mixture.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the milk mixture and mix with hands only until it holds together.
  5. Shape into a roll, cover with waxed paper, and chill for 6 hours or overnight.
  6. Roll out the dough on granulated sugar into thin pieces.
  7. Cut the dough into squares, spread apricot filling in the middle, and fold two opposite corners over it.
  8. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes on a cookie sheet.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier texture, ensure your Crisco is chilled before incorporating it into the flour mixture. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the evaporated milk with almond or coconut milk. Stress the importance of handling the dough minimally to maintain its tenderness. Experiment with different fillings beyond apricot, such as the Cream Cheese Filling For Prunes And Dates for a delightful twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Paluszki warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful touch. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon snacks or gatherings. Consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt to balance the sweetness. These pastries are also reminiscent of Kid Pleasers Cranberry Scoop, making them great for family events.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Paluszki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, ensuring they regain their crispiness without drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Polish Paluszki contains roughly 449 calories, with 9g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 751mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

449 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.4g 19% DV
Total Fat 4.9g 6% DV
Carbs 94.8g 34% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 7.8g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 751.3mg 33% DV
Potassium 553.9mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 98.5mg 33% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 55.2mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 42.7mg 47% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 186.3mg 14% DV
Iron 3.9mg 22% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fat instead of Crisco?

Yes, you can substitute Crisco with unsalted butter or margarine. Keep in mind that butter will impart a richer flavor, while margarine may yield a slightly different texture. Ensure to chill the substitute fat before mixing it into the dough for best results.

What can I use as a filling besides apricot?

You can get creative with your fillings! Options include jams like raspberry or strawberry, nut butters, or even a sweet cream cheese mixture. Try using the Cream Cheese Filling For Prunes And Dates for a unique and delicious alternative that complements the dough beautifully.

How can I make these Paluszki more visually appealing?

For a beautiful finish, consider brushing the tops with an egg wash before baking. This will give them a golden sheen. You can also sprinkle coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar on top before baking for added texture and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar after baking will enhance their presentation.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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