Sladký Syrový Koláč (Sweet Slovak Cheese Pastry)
A delightful sweet pastry featuring a tender, slightly tangy dough filled with a creamy, sweet cottage cheese mixture. This koláč is often enjoyed as a dessert or a special treat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 2 cups (4 sticks) Butter(room temperature, unsalted)
- 16 ounces Cream cheese(softened, 2 blocks)
- 2 tsp Salt(if using unsalted butter)
- 48 ounces Cottage cheese(small-curd, creamed)
- 6 large Egg yolks(room temperature)
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Sugar(for filling)
- 10 tbsp Tapioca (instant) or cornstarch(for filling)
- 1 large Egg(beaten, for egg wash)
- for dusting Powdered sugar
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: In a large bowl or food processor, combine flour and salt. Cut in the room temperature butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the softened cream cheese and mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- 2
Divide the dough into 4-6 equal discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- 3
For the filling: In a separate bowl or food processor, combine cottage cheese, egg yolks, vanilla extract, sugar, and tapioca (or cornstarch). Mix until smooth and well combined. If making ahead, refrigerate the filling for at least 12 hours.
- 4
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares.
- 6
Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold opposite corners of the dough over the filling to create a sealed parcel. Gently press to seal.
- 7
Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
- 8
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is lightly golden brown.
- 9
Let cool slightly on a wire rack, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the dough to come together smoothly.
- ✓The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for several days or frozen for up to three months.
- ✓For a smoother filling, blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender.
- ✓Variations for the filling include adding crushed pineapple or raisins.
🔄 Variations
- Use a different fruit jam as a filling instead of or in addition to the cheese.
- A small amount of lemon zest can be added to the cheese filling for a brighter flavor.