Koláče (Sweet Pastries with Fruit and Cheese)
Traditional Czech koláče are small, round sweet pastries often filled with fruit preserves and a sweetened farmer's cheese or poppy seed filling. They are a beloved treat for holidays and special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar(plus more for topping)
- 2.25 tsp Active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup Warm milk
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter(melted)
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Farmer's cheese (tvaroh)(drained if necessary)
- 1/4 cup Powdered sugar(for cheese filling)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract(for cheese filling)
- 1/2 cup Fruit preserves (e.g., apricot, plum)(for fruit filling)
- 1 egg Egg wash(beaten with 1 tbsp water)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
💡 Tip: Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
💡 Tip: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook can make kneading easier. - 3
Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs into the well. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
💡 Tip: A slightly warm oven (turned off) is a good place for dough to rise. - 5
While dough rises, prepare fillings. For cheese filling, mix farmer's cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
💡 Tip: Use good quality, full-fat farmer's cheese for best flavor and texture. - 6
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
💡 Tip: Ensure even portions for consistent baking. - 7
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the center of each dough ball, forming a well for the filling.
💡 Tip: Don't press all the way through the dough. - 8
Fill the indentations with either the cheese mixture or fruit preserves. Brush the edges of the dough with egg wash and sprinkle with a little sugar.
💡 Tip: Avoid overfilling, as the filling can spill out during baking. - 9
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
💡 Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning. - 10
Let cool on a wire rack before serving. Koláče are best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure all ingredients for the dough are at room temperature.
- ✓Don't overwork the dough after the first rise.
- ✓Experiment with different fruit preserves or even poppy seed filling.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese filling.
- Use a mix of fruit preserves and cheese filling on different koláče.
- For a richer dough, add an extra egg yolk.