Experience the delightful taste of heritage with this Sugar-Free Traditional Kolache recipe—crafted for those who crave wholesome indulgence without refined sugars. This recipe replaces the sweetness of sugar with a touch of natural honey and unsweetened fruit preserves for a healthier twist on the beloved Czech pastry. Featuring a soft, rich dough made from whole milk, butter, and eggs, these golden kolaches are filled with vibrant fruit flavors like apricot, plum, or cherry. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these sugar-free treats maintain all the charm of the classic kolache while catering to modern dietary preferences. Simple kneading and baking techniques ensure a bakery-quality finish, with a generous egg wash providing an irresistible golden crust. With just 30 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking, you can enjoy these guilt-free pastries fresh out of the oven or at room temperature, making them an ideal addition to any gathering or as a treat for yourself.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until warm (about 110°F/43°C). Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter, honey, and salt until melted and combined. Let cool slightly.
In a small bowl, dissolve the dry active yeast in the warm water and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk mixture, yeast mixture, and egg. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
Gently flatten each ball slightly and use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a well in the center of each dough ball. Fill each well with about a tablespoon of unsweetened fruit preserves.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the edges of the kolache dough to give it a golden finish during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the filling is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Calories |
2461 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.8 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.8 g | 184% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 559 mg | 186% | |
| Sodium | 1471 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 385.1 g | 140% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.6 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.8 g | ||
| Protein | 68.2 g | 136% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.1 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 439 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 22.4 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 1309 mg | 28% | |
*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.