Svatební Koláčky s Tvarohem a Ovocem
Svatební koláčky, or wedding pastries, are small, round, sweet yeast dough pastries traditionally filled with a creamy tvaroh (farmer's cheese) and fruit preserve. They are often decorated with a streusel topping and are a staple at Czech celebrations, especially weddings. This recipe combines the classic tvaroh filling with a touch of fruit for a delightful balance of flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 100 g Granulated sugar
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 200 ml Lukewarm milk
- 2 large Egg yolks
- 100 g Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp Salt
- 400 g Farmer's cheese (tvaroh)(crumbled or smooth)
- 80 g Powdered sugar(for the filling)
- 1 large Egg yolk(for the filling)
- 4 tbsp Fruit preserves (e.g., plum, apricot)(for the filling)
- 50 g Unsalted butter, melted(for brushing)
- 2 tbsp Powdered sugar(for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
💡 Tip: Ensure milk is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. - 2
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center. Add the activated yeast mixture, egg yolks, and softened butter. Mix until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
💡 Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a touch more milk. - 3
First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 4
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the farmer's cheese, powdered sugar for the filling, and the egg yolk. Mix until smooth and well combined.
💡 Tip: For a smoother filling, you can use a food processor or blend it. - 5
Shape the koláčky: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 24 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, flatten each ball into a disc. Press the center of each disc with your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation.
💡 Tip: Work with one piece of dough at a time, keeping the rest covered to prevent drying. - 6
Fill the koláčky: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the farmer's cheese filling into the indentation of each dough disc. Top with a small dollop of fruit preserve.
💡 Tip: Don't overfill, as the filling might spill out during baking. - 7
Second rise: Place the filled koláčky on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let them rest for another 15-20 minutes.
- 8
Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the edges of the koláčky with melted butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
💡 Tip: Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning. - 9
Finish and serve: Let the koláčky cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
💡 Tip: Best served warm or at room temperature.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer dough, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream.
- ✓If you don't have farmer's cheese, ricotta or a well-drained cottage cheese can be used as a substitute.
- ✓The fruit preserves add a lovely tartness to balance the sweet cheese filling.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use different fruit preserves like cherry, blueberry, or apple.
- Add a streusel topping (drobenka) made from flour, sugar, and butter for extra texture.
- Incorporate raisins or a hint of lemon zest into the cheese filling.