Czech Kolache
Tender Czech yeasted pastries with open centers of plum butter, poppy seed, or sweet farmer cheese and streusel.
Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Two rimmed baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
Enriched Dough
- 1 cup whole milk warm
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more if needed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
Cheese, Poppy, and Plum Fillings
- 1 cup farmer cheese or well-drained ricotta
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup ground poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup plum butter
Streusel and Finish
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- Stir the yeast and a pinch of the sugar into the warm milk and let stand for 8 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the flour, remaining sugar, butter, egg yolks, salt, lemon zest, and yeast mixture. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise for about 75 minutes until doubled.
Prepare the Fillings:
- Mix the farmer cheese with 2 tablespoons sugar, one yolk, and vanilla.
- Simmer the ground poppy seeds with 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 cup sugar for 5 minutes, stirring, then cool.
- Rub the streusel flour, sugar, and cold butter together into irregular crumbs.
Shape and Bake:
- Divide the dough into 18 pieces, shape into rounds, and place on parchment-lined trays. Cover and rise for 30 minutes.
- Press a deep wide indentation into each round. Fill with cheese, poppy seed mixture, or plum butter; scatter with streusel and brush the exposed dough with egg wash.
- Bake at 375 F (190 C) for 15 to 18 minutes until broadly golden at the edges. Cool on the trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
- Use a thick plum butter rather than loose jam so the filling stays in the center.
- Well-drained ricotta works when Czech tvaroh or farmer cheese is unavailable.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 7gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 190mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12g