Traditional Kolache

Experience the sweet, pillowy perfection of Traditional Kolache, a beloved Eastern European pastry that blends a tender, buttery dough with irresistible fillings. This recipe features a light, yeasted dough made with simple pantry staples like warm milk, melted butter, and a touch of sugar, creating a soft and airy texture. The highlight of these homemade delights is their dual filling: a luscious cream cheese mixture flavored with vanilla, and vibrant fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry, offering a medley of flavors in every bite. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack, these kolaches are baked to golden brown perfection and come together with just a bit of prep time for an impressive 24 servings. Whether you’re crafting them for a special occasion or savoring them with a cup of coffee, these traditional kolaches bring the comforting flavors of heritage baking right to your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 0.5 cup sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup fruit preserves (such as apricot or raspberry)
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well.

Step 3

Add the frothy yeast mixture to the bowl and mix to combine.

Step 4

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 5

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 24 equal pieces.

Step 9

Shape each piece into a ball, then flatten it slightly to form a disc.

Step 10

Place the dough discs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each piece.

Step 11

Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each disc.

Step 12

In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 13

Fill half of the indentations with 1 teaspoon of fruit preserves and the other half with the cream cheese mixture.

Step 14

Cover the kolaches lightly with a clean cloth and allow them to rise for an additional 20-30 minutes.

Step 15

Bake the kolaches in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Step 16

Remove the kolaches from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1244.6 grams (1244.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3877

Total Fat 152.50g	196%
Saturated Fat 89.30g	447%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.60g
Cholesterol 612mg	204%
Sodium 1817mg	79%
Total Carbohydrate 558.30g	203%
Dietary Fiber 14.60g	52%
Total Sugars 207.00g
Protein 68.70g	137%

Vitamin D 152IU	759%
Calcium 546mg	42%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 1394mg	30%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.4%

Protein: 7.1%

Carbs: 57.5%