Kolaches Recipe: A Sweet Treat from Texas
Kolaches. Just the name conjures up images of warm, sweet pastries, perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or a delightful afternoon snack. Originating in the Czech Republic, these delightful treats have found a new home in Texas, where they've become a beloved part of the culinary landscape. This recipe will guide you through making delicious, authentic kolaches from scratch.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before you begin your kolache journey, gather these essential ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 - 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling (choose your favorite!):
- Apricot: 1 (15-ounce) can apricot preserves or 2 cups homemade apricot filling.
- Poppy Seed: ½ cup poppy seeds, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. (Simmer until thickened.)
- Cheese: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. (Mix until smooth.)
Step-by-Step Kolache Making Guide
Now, let's embark on the delicious process of making these delectable treats!
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare your chosen filling. For the poppy seed filling, simmer the ingredients until thickened. For the cheese filling, simply combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Apricot filling can be used directly from the can or jar.
Step 6: Shape the Kolaches
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle (approximately 12x18 inches).
Step 7: Cut and Fill
Cut the rectangle into 12 equal squares. Place a spoonful of filling into the center of each square.
Step 8: Assemble the Kolaches
Bring the opposite corners of each square together to form a triangle, pinching the edges to seal. Gently curve the kolache into a half-moon shape and place it on an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 9: Second Rise
Cover the kolaches loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 10: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 11: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the kolaches cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Kolache Success
- Don't overwork the dough: Overkneading can result in tough kolaches.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the kolaches will taste.
- Experiment with fillings: Get creative and try different fillings like prune, cherry, or even savory options like cheese and jalapeño.
With this recipe, you're well on your way to baking delicious kolaches. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy baking!
