Irresistible Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches Recipe for Beginners

Crafting delectable kolaches brings memories of my grandmother’s warm Czech kitchen in Texas.

Soft, pillowy dough embraces sweet or savory fillings that dance with tradition.

Generations have passed down this cherished recipe, creating connections through each tender bite.

Generations of bakers understand kolaches as more than just pastries, they’re cultural storytellers.

Home kitchens transform simple ingredients into nostalgic treats that comfort and delight.

Family gatherings become magical when these golden-brown delights emerge from the oven.

Why Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches Are A Hit

• Craft Family Memories: Create lasting traditions with this heartwarming kolache recipe that brings generations together around the kitchen.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe guides you through simple steps, making homemade pastries accessible and enjoyable.
• Versatile Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different fruit preserves to customize these delightful treats, turning each batch into a unique culinary experience.
• Comfort Food Champion: Soft, pillowy dough filled with sweet preserves offers a comforting bite that transports you to cherished moments of warmth and happiness.

Items Needed For Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary ingredient that creates the soft, tender texture of the kolaches.
• Milk, Warm Water: These liquids help activate the yeast and provide moisture to the dough.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the kolache dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast during the rising process.
• Butter, Salt: Add richness, flavor, and help control yeast activity.
• Fruit Preserves: Adds a sweet, fruity center to the traditional kolache pastry.

How To Make Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches At Home

Step 1: Warm Dairy Blend

Create a creamy base by combining milk, sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Gently heat the mixture until butter melts completely and sugar dissolves. Allow the blend to cool down to a warm temperature.

Step 2: Awaken the Yeast

Sprinkle yeast into warm water and let it sit quietly. Watch for a foamy top that indicates the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Step 3: Create Soft Dough

Pour the cooled milk mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the frothy yeast and eggs, stirring until well combined. Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Place in a cozy, draft-free spot for about an hour. The dough should double in size and look puffy and light.

Step 5: Shape Kolache Rounds

Gently deflate the risen dough. Roll out small, uniform balls resembling golf balls. Arrange these on a lightly greased baking sheet with enough space between them.

Step 6: Create Fruity Centers

• Apricot preserves
• Raspberry jam
• Prune filling
• Cherry conserve

Step 7: Second Rise

Let the filled dough balls rest and rise again for about 30 minutes. They should look puffy and slightly larger.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 350F. Bake the kolaches until they turn a beautiful golden brown color, approximately 12-15 minutes.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow kolaches to cool slightly. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Easy Tips For Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches

• Warm milk slowly to prevent scorching and ensure even sugar dissolution, creating a smooth base for the dough.
• Activate yeast in precisely warm water (110-115°F) to guarantee proper fermentation without killing the cultures.
• Use room temperature eggs for better dough consistency and smoother mixing with other ingredients.
• Choose high-quality fruit preserves with thick consistency to prevent leaking during baking and maintain neat kolache appearance.
• Cover rising dough with damp cloth to maintain moisture and prevent dough surface from drying out, ensuring soft, tender texture.

Different Styles Of Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches

• Savory Cheese Kolaches: Replace fruit preserves with shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or cream cheese for a tangy, rich filling.
• Spicy Jalapeño Poppers Kolaches: Mix cream cheese with diced jalapeños and stuff inside the dough for a zesty, bold flavor profile.
• Apple Cinnamon Kolaches: Fill centers with diced cinnamon-coated apples and a sprinkle of brown sugar for a warm, comforting taste.
• Nutella Chocolate Kolaches: Swap preserves with Nutella or chocolate spread for a decadent, sweet breakfast pastry option.

Sides That Go With Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches

• Pair with Sweet Sips: Enjoy these homemade kolaches with a warm cup of chamomile tea or classic Czech pilsner, which complement the sweet fruit preserves and soft pastry texture.
• Breakfast Buddy Combo: Serve alongside crisp bacon strips and freshly scrambled eggs for a hearty morning meal that balances the kolaches' sweetness with savory protein.
• Wine Lover's Match: Select a light, fruity white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer to enhance the delicate flavors of the fruit-filled pastry, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Cultural Beverage Bonus: Drink traditional Czech sour cherry juice or apricot brandy for an authentic pairing that honors the kolache's Eastern European roots.

How To Keep Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches Fresh

• Store cooled kolaches in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Place kolaches in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crispy. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, reheat directly from frozen in oven at 325F for 10-12 minutes until warm and soft.

Simple Answers About Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches

• What are kolaches originally from?

Kolaches are a traditional Czech pastry that originated in the Czech Republic, brought to the United States by Czech immigrants who settled in Texas and the Midwest.

• Can I use different fillings for kolaches?

Yes, while fruit preserves are traditional, you can experiment with cream cheese, poppy seed, apricot, or even savory fillings like sausage for a different twist.

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

The yeast is active when it becomes frothy and bubbly after 5 minutes in warm water. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old or the water was too hot or cold.

Old Fashioned Homemade Kolaches Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 47-50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Czech pastry magic weaves delicious “old fashioned homemade kolaches” through generations of family tradition. Sweet dough pillows filled with fruit preserve promise comfort and connection that will instantly transport you to a warm kitchen of love and nostalgia.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup warm water

Flavoring and Leavening:

• 2 packages active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Fruit preserves (apricot, strawberry, or blueberry)

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Instructions

1. Warm milk, sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Allow mixture to cool to lukewarm temperature.
2. Dissolve yeast in warm water, letting it activate and become foamy for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Combine cooled milk mixture with yeast solution and eggs in a large mixing bowl, stirring thoroughly until well incorporated.
4. Gradually fold flour into liquid mixture, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms that pulls away from bowl sides.
5. Transfer dough to a lightly greased container, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a draft-free area for 60 minutes until volume doubles.
6. Gently deflate risen dough and portion into golf ball-sized rounds, placing them on a prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between.
7. Create a small indentation in each dough ball’s center using fingertips or the back of a spoon.
8. Carefully spoon fruit preserves into each dough ball’s depression, ensuring even distribution.
9. Allow filled kolaches to undergo a second rise for 30 minutes, becoming puffy and slightly larger.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while kolaches are rising.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes until pastries transform into a rich, golden brown color.
12. Remove from oven and let cool for several minutes before serving warm.

Notes

• Make sure milk mixture is lukewarm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast when combining.
• Activate yeast in water between 100-110°F for optimal fermentation and rising.
• Use room temperature eggs to help dough mix more smoothly and consistently.
• Create deep thumb indentations for preserves to prevent overflow during baking.
• Test dough’s readiness by gently pressing with finger – it should spring back slowly.
• Experiment with different preserves like apricot, raspberry, or even savory fillings like cream cheese.
• Brush kolaches with egg wash before baking for a beautiful golden and shiny appearance.
• Store kolaches in airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for longer preservation.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Czech-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 235 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg