Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kolaches are the perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough and flavorful filling. They’re easy to make, versatile, and a great way to indulge in a homemade treat. The dough rises beautifully to create light, airy pockets that pair perfectly with sweet or savory fillings. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re looking to try a traditional fruit-filled version or get creative with savory fillings, this recipe has something for everyone.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fruit preserves (e.g., apricot, raspberry, or blueberry) or savory filling (e.g., sausage, cheese)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) Kolache: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 10 Amazing Treats

Directions

Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with ¼ cup of warm milk (110°F). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining milk, softened butter, sugar, and eggs. Mix until well combined and the butter has melted into the milk.
Add Yeast Mixture:
Once the yeast is activated, add it to the wet ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
Combine Flour and Salt:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to over-flour it.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and set it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven:
During the last 15 minutes of the dough’s rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the Kolaches:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
Fill the Kolaches:
Add about a tablespoon of your desired filling (fruit preserves for sweet, sausage, or cheese for savory) to the center of each circle. Fold the dough over or pinch the ends together depending on your filling choice.
Second Rise:
Place the filled kolaches on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Cover the sheet with a cloth and allow the kolaches to rise for another 30 minutes.
Egg Wash:
Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush it over the tops of the kolaches to give them a beautiful golden finish when baked.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the kolaches are lightly golden brown on top.
Cool and Dust:
Once baked, remove the kolaches from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields about 10 kolaches, depending on the size.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour + 30 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding rising time)

Variations

Sweet Kolaches: Use fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or blueberry for a classic sweet version of these treats.
Savory Kolaches: Try filling the kolaches with a combination of sausage, cheese, and even scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast option.
Cheese and Fruit: Pair fruit preserves like strawberry with a bit of cream cheese for a sweet and creamy filling.
Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version of these kolaches.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked kolaches for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Reheating: If you have leftover kolaches, simply warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and warm again.

FAQs

Can I make these kolaches ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and fill the kolaches a day before baking. Store the filled kolaches in the fridge and bake them the next day.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling it out?

Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin. You can also chill the dough before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. After shaping and filling the kolaches, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

How do I know when the kolaches are done?

The kolaches are done when they are lightly golden brown and cooked through. You can check the bottom by lifting one up; it should have a golden color.

Can I use other types of fillings?

Absolutely! Kolaches are very versatile. Try using chocolate, cinnamon-sugar, or even savory fillings cheese for a new twist.

Conclusion

These Kolaches are a delightful pastry that combines a soft, buttery dough with your choice of sweet or savory fillings. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family. With a simple dough-making process and endless filling possibilities, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to bake something delicious and homemade. Enjoy your perfect batch of kolaches with a cup of coffee or tea!

Kolache: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 10 Amazing Treats

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Kolaches are pillowy pastries with a soft dough and a variety of sweet or savory fillings. Whether you choose fruit preserves or savory sausage and cheese, these treats are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding rising time)
Yield: 10 kolaches
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Czech-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with ¼ cup of warm milk (110°F). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining milk, softened butter, sugar, and eggs. Mix until well combined and the butter has melted into the milk.
Add Yeast Mixture: Add the activated yeast mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
Combine Flour and Salt: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is sticky, but avoid over-flouring it.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and set it in a warm place to rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the Oven: During the last 15 minutes of rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the Kolaches: Once risen, punch the dough down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Cut out circles using a round cutter or glass.
Fill the Kolaches: Add about 1 tablespoon of filling to the center of each circle (fruit preserves for sweet, sausage or cheese for savory). Fold the dough over or pinch the ends together.
Second Rise: Place the filled kolaches on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Egg Wash: Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush over the tops of the kolaches to give them a golden finish when baked.
Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown on top.
Cool and Dust: Let the kolaches cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.