Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches

Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches are a warm, sweet treat that bring together soft, fluffy dough with a variety of fruit preserves, creating the perfect bite-sized pastry. These traditional Czech pastries are a beloved classic in many households, offering a comforting, homemade touch. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast pastry or a delightful dessert, Kolaches are versatile and irresistible. The dough is light and tender, while the fruit filling adds a pop of sweetness that makes each bite memorable. If you’re looking to bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen or try something new, this recipe is a fantastic way to indulge in an authentic homemade pastry experience. With a soft and slightly sweet dough paired with your favorite fruit preserves, these Kolaches make for a delicious snack, breakfast, or dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Soft and Fluffy Dough

The dough for these Kolaches is tender, soft, and pillowy, creating the perfect base for the sweet fruit preserves.

2. Customizable Filling

You can use any fruit preserves or jam you like, from apricot to raspberry or strawberry, allowing you to customize the flavor to your preferences.

3. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this Kolache recipe is easy enough for beginners to tackle but yields professional-tasting results.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Kolaches are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat for a gathering. They’re great for sharing and always a hit at family get-togethers.

5. Freezes Well

Kolaches can be made in advance and frozen for later, making them a convenient snack to have on hand whenever you want something sweet.

Ingredients

• Milk
• Sugar
• Butter
• Salt
• Active dry yeast
• Warm water
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Fruit preserves (any flavor of your choice)

Variations

• Different Fillings: In addition to fruit preserves, you can try filling Kolaches with cream cheese, poppy seeds, or chocolate for a fun twist.
• Savory Kolaches: For a savory version, fill the dough with ingredients like sausage, cheese, or bacon.
• Dough Flavoring: Add vanilla or almond extract to the dough for an additional layer of flavor.
• Mini Kolaches: Make smaller Kolaches for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or gifting.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Mixture

In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, butter, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted, then remove from heat and allow it to cool to a lukewarm temperature.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Pour the milk mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the yeast mixture and eggs, stirring until combined. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 5: Form the Kolaches

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small balls. Place the balls on a greased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Add the Filling

Make an indentation in the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon. Spoon a small amount of fruit preserves into each indentation.

Step 7: Let the Dough Rise Again

Cover the baking sheet with a towel and let the Kolaches rise again until they double in size, about 30 minutes.

Step 8: Bake the Kolaches

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Kolaches for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

Step 9: Serve

Once baked, remove the Kolaches from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Lukewarm Milk: Make sure the milk mixture cools to lukewarm before adding the yeast to avoid killing the yeast with hot liquid.
• Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place: For the best results, place the dough in a warm, draft-free place while it’s rising. A turned-off oven with the light on works well.
• Don’t Overfill the Kolaches: When adding the fruit preserves, use just a small spoonful to avoid overflowing as they bake.
• Check the Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated and bake the Kolaches until they are golden brown for the best texture.

How to Serve

Kolaches can be served warm as a delicious breakfast pastry or dessert. They are perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk, making them ideal for morning gatherings, brunches, or as a comforting treat any time of day. You can also pair them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a more substantial breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked, store any leftover Kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

Kolaches freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat Kolaches, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore their soft and fluffy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply add it directly to the flour without dissolving it in water first.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

For a different texture, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or bread flour.

3. Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to mix and knead the dough for convenience.

4. Can I use other fillings besides fruit preserves?

Absolutely! You can try cream cheese, chocolate, poppy seeds, or savory fillings like sausage and cheese.

5. Do I need to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, for the best texture, it’s important to let the dough rise twice—once after mixing and again after shaping the Kolaches.

6. Can I make Kolaches with frozen fruit preserves?

Yes, frozen fruit preserves will work as long as they are thawed and stirred well before use.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you need more Kolaches. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if making a larger batch.

8. How long do Kolaches last?

Kolaches will last for 3 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated.

9. Can I freeze Kolaches after baking?

Yes, Kolaches freeze well! Allow them to cool completely before freezing, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

10. Can I add a glaze on top of the Kolaches?

Yes, you can drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the Kolaches after baking for extra sweetness.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches are a delicious and timeless treat that will fill your home with warm, comforting aromas. With their soft, pillowy dough and sweet fruit filling, these pastries are perfect for any occasion. Whether you make them for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert, Kolaches are sure to impress. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to enjoy a homemade version of these classic pastries, bringing a little taste of tradition into your kitchen. So gather your ingredients and make a batch today—you’ll love every bite!

Print