johnlloyd
Culinary Explorer
Hey everyone! I'm excited to share my family's cherished recipe for homemade kolaches. These delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet treat with coffee.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fruit preserves (apricot, cherry, or any flavor you prefer)
- OR
- 1 cup poppy seed filling
- OR
- 1 cup sweetened cheese filling (such as farmer's cheese or cream cheese mixed with sugar and vanilla extract)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add flour, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Knead and Rise:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Form Kolaches:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Place the balls on a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Add Fillings:
- Make an indentation in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of your chosen filling (fruit preserves, poppy seed, or sweetened cheese) into the indentation.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the filled kolaches with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until slightly puffed.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the kolaches for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Finish:
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
- If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.