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kolache recipe

Homemade Kolache Recipe

Pinklady
Kolaches originated in the Czech Republic and were brought to the U.S. by Czech immigrants in the 1800s. Traditionally, these pastries were made with a sweet, yeast dough and filled with fruits like apricots, cherries, or poppy seeds. Over time, savory versions with fillings such as sausage or cheese were developed.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Pastries
Cuisine Czech
Servings 12 Kolaches

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry brush

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water (around 110°F)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup whole milk, warm
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

For the Filling (choose one or mix and match):

  • Fruit Jam Filling: 1 cup of your favorite fruit jam (apricot, raspberry, or strawberry work well)
  • Cream Cheese Filling: 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Savory Sausage Filling: 8 fully cooked sausage links or chunks of sausage, cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions
 

  • Activate the Yeast
    In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is activated and ready to use.
  • Mix the Wet Ingredients
    In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the melted butter, warm milk, eggs, the remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well until fully incorporated.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
    Add the foamy yeast mixture to the wet ingredients. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough starts to come together.
  • Knead the Dough
    Once the dough forms, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  • Let the Dough Rise
    Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Shape the Kolaches
    Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball with your hands or a rolling pin into a small circle, about 3 inches in diameter.
  • Fill the Kolaches
    For sweet kolaches, place a spoonful of fruit jam or the cream cheese mixture in the center of each flattened dough ball. For savory kolaches, place a sausage in the center and fold the dough around it, pinching the edges to seal.
  • Let the Kolaches Rest
    Place the filled kolaches on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let them rest for another 20-30 minutes to puff up slightly.
  • Apply Egg Wash
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Lightly brush each kolache with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
  • Bake the Kolaches
    Bake the kolaches for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Video

Keyword Homemade Kolache Recipe