Kolaches are such a delightful treat, and I love making them in my kitchen. The soft, sweet dough and the delicious fruit filling remind me of cozy mornings at home with my family, especially those sunny Saturdays when we would bake together.
I remember my Dad, James, always had the biggest smile while helping us shape the dough, and Mom, Eva, would whip up the best fillings. My sister, Jennifer, and I would argue over who got to sprinkle the sugar on top just right. Creating memories with food is what makes cooking so special.
Your Ingredients List
- 2 cups sourdough discard
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Fruit filling (such as fruit preserves or cream cheese)
My Go-To Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Kitchen towel
- Floured surface for kneading
The Simple Steps to Follow
- In a large bowl, combine sourdough discard, milk, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Add eggs and stir until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each square, then fold the edges over to form a pocket.
- Place on a baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
You can swap out some ingredients to make these Kolaches a bit healthier. For example, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour or swap in honey instead of sugar. You can also add nuts or oats to the dough for added nutrition and texture.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I love serving Kolaches warm right out of the oven. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top makes them extra special. These treats pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, and they make great snacks for lunchboxes or brunch gatherings.
Getting It Just Right
Make sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This step is key to getting that lovely fluffy texture. If your dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour while kneading. Also, be patient with the rising times; a good rise is essential for a light, airy Kolache.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any Kolaches left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they are fully cooled and placed in a freezer bag. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven.
Enjoy Every Moment
Making Kolaches is not just about the food; it’s about the love and memories we create. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every bite of these sweet delights.
A Few Common Questions
What if I don’t have sourdough discard for Kolaches?
You can substitute the sourdough discard with all-purpose or whole wheat flour combined with a bit more liquid. Consider adding a teaspoon of vinegar for that tangy flavor if you want to mimic sourdough.
Can I make different fillings for my Kolaches?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various fillings like chocolate, nut butter, or even savory options like cheese and herbs. Use your favorite flavors to customize the Kolaches to your taste.
How do I know when my Kolaches are done baking?
The Kolaches are done when they turn golden brown on top. You can also tap the bottom of a Kolache; if it sounds hollow, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Print
Fruit Filling Kolaches
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful soft dough treats filled with sweet fruit preserves or cream cheese, perfect for cozy mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sourdough discard
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Fruit filling (such as fruit preserves or cream cheese)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sourdough discard, milk, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Add eggs and stir until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each square, then fold the edges over to form a pocket.
- Place on a baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
For healthier options, consider using whole wheat flour or honey, and adding nuts or oats for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Kolache
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Kolaches, baking, fruit filling, desserts, family recipes