Kolaches or Kolacky
Discover the sweet, pillowy embrace of traditional Kolaches (or Kolacky), a beloved Central European pastry perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any indulgent occasion. These golden yeast rolls boast a buttery, tender dough that encases irresistible fillings like tangy cream cheese or vibrant fruit preserves such as apricot or raspberry. Made from scratch, this recipe combines simple pantry staples with rich flavors, from warm whole milk and melted butter to a hint of vanilla in the luscious cream cheese filling. The final touch—a shiny egg wash—gives these pastries their signature golden sheen. With just a bit of kneading and rising time, you can create a batch of 24 kolaches that bake to perfection in under 20 minutes. Whether served warm with coffee or enjoyed as an on-the-go treat, these classic kolaches are a testament to homemade comfort at its finest.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 240 ml whole milk
- 115 g unsalted butter
- 7 g active dry yeast
- 75 g granulated sugar
- 480 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 225 g cream cheese (for filling)
- 50 g powdered sugar (for filling)
- 150 g fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, etc.)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 15 ml whole milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm (but not boiling) around 37-43°C (98-110°F). Remove from heat and add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and activated.
In a separate saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine 240 g (2 cups) of the flour, salt, the remaining granulated sugar, and the yeast mixture. Add the eggs and melted butter, then mix until combined.
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and knead the dough until it is smooth and slightly sticky. If using a stand mixer with dough hooks, knead for 6-8 minutes.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, make the cream cheese filling. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Once the dough has risen, punch it down lightly and divide it into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place on the prepared baking sheets, spaced evenly apart.
Using the bottom of a small cup or your fingers, press an indentation into the center of each dough ball to create space for the filling.
Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of fruit preserves or cream cheese filling.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk to make the egg wash. Brush the edges of each kolache with the egg wash.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Allow the kolaches to rest for 15-20 minutes for a final rise.
Bake the kolaches in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
200 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.7 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 52 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 129 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.2 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 4.3 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 28 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 66 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
