Kolaches Recipe

 Kolaches are soft, pillowy pastries with sweet or savory fillings, a beloved treat with Czech roots that has become a favorite at American breakfast tables, especially in Texas. Traditionally filled with fruit, cream cheese, or sausage, these pastries are light, buttery, and perfect for any gathering or holiday morning.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

For the cream cheese filling (optional):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the fruit filling (optional):

• 1 cup fruit preserves or pie filling (apricot, cherry, blueberry, etc.)

Cooking Time

• Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes rising)

• Bake time: 15–20 minutes

Serving

• Makes about 12–15 kolaches

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:
   
   In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Make the Dough:
   
   Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Let Rise:
   
   Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare Fillings:
   
   For cream cheese filling, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. For fruit filling, use your favorite preserves or pie filling.

5. Shape the Kolaches:
   
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 12–15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press a deep well in the center with your fingers or the back of a spoon.

6. Add Fillings:
   
   Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into the center of each dough round.

7. Final Rise:
   
   Cover and let rise for another 20–30 minutes.

8. Bake:
   
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.

9. Cool and Serve:
   
   Allow kolaches to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Tips

• Brush the tops with melted butter right after baking for extra softness.

• You can also fill them with sausage and cheese for a savory version.

• Store leftover kolaches in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later.

Nutrition (per kolache)

• Calories: 250

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 12g

• Sugar: 10g

Kolaches are the perfect mix of tender bread and flavorful filling — a cozy treat that brings comfort and joy to any breakfast or holiday spread.