Kolache Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors and delightful texture of kolaches, traditional Czech pastries filled with fruit, cheese, or poppy seeds. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack. With their soft, pillowy dough and luscious fillings, kolaches are sure to become a favorite in your home. Read on to learn how to create these delicious pastries that will impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup fruit preserves (e.g., apricot, cherry, or poppy seed filling)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 12 kolaches. Preparation time is about 1 hour, and cooking time is around 20 minutes, totaling 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each kolache (approximately 1 piece) contains about 180 calories, 7g fat, 25g carbohydrates, and 3g protein. This is based on a standard serving size of 1 kolache.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture to the flour.
4. Mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into squares.
9. Place a dollop of fruit preserves in the center of each square.
10. Fold the corners of the dough over the filling and pinch to seal.
11. Place on a baking sheet and let rise for another 20 minutes.
12. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different fillings like Nutella or cream cheese for a unique twist.
Serving and Pairings
Kolaches are delightful on their own but can be served with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They also pair well with fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using water that is too hot can kill the yeast.
- Not allowing the dough to rise properly will result in dense pastries.
- Overfilling the kolaches can cause them to burst during baking.
- Not kneading the dough enough can lead to a tough texture.
- Skipping the dusting of powdered sugar can make them less appealing.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Experiment with different fillings to find your favorite.
- Use a pastry brush to apply an egg wash for a shiny finish.
- Let the kolaches cool completely before storing them.
FAQs
What is the origin of kolaches?
Kolaches originated in Central Europe, specifically in the Czech Republic. They were traditionally made by Czech immigrants in the United States, especially in areas with large Czech communities.
Can I make kolaches ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and fillings in advance. Assemble the kolaches and refrigerate them overnight, then bake them fresh in the morning.
What types of fillings can I use?
You can use a variety of fillings such as fruit preserves, sweet cheese, poppy seeds, or even savory fillings like sausage or vegetables for a different take.
How do I know when the kolaches are done baking?
Kolaches are done when they are golden brown on top. You can also tap the bottom, and if it sounds hollow, they are ready.
Can I freeze kolaches?
Yes, kolaches freeze well. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be reheated directly from frozen.
Conclusion
Kolaches are a delightful pastry that brings joy to any meal. With their soft dough and sweet fillings, they are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or warmed up later, these pastries are sure to please everyone. Try this kolache recipe and savor the deliciousness today!
Kolache Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup fruit preserves e.g., apricot, cherry
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture to the flour.
- Mix until a soft dough forms and knead for 5-7 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out dough and cut into squares.
- Place a dollop of fruit preserves in the center of each square.
- Fold corners over filling and pinch to seal.
- Let rise for another 20 minutes, then bake for 20 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
