Indulge in the delightful flavors of Eastern European tradition with these homemade Sweet Apricot Kolaches. These pillowy, soft pastries are filled with a tangy, yet sweet apricot jam and are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat to share. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these kolaches are a timeless addition to any dessert table or morning spread.
Sweet Kolaches: A Touch of Tradition in Every Bite
"Creamy Kolache Delight: A Soft, Sweet Tradition"
This title highlights the key feature of the recipe – the soft, creamy dough – and emphasizes its traditional roots. “Delight” hints at the joy these kolaches will bring when enjoyed, while “Soft, Sweet Tradition” ties it to the comforting, nostalgic feeling of homemade pastries.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Dough:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Dough
-
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm milk. Stir gently and let sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
-
Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, butter, and sugar until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until combined.
-
Add the flour: Gradually add the flour and the yeast mixture to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
-
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
Let the dough rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough in it. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
-
Step 2: Shape the Kolaches
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
-
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small 1 1/2-inch balls. Roll them into smooth balls or shape them into your desired form (rounds, pinwheels, or braids or simply cut into smaller squares about 2x2 inch using a pizza cutter or bench knife.
-
Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Use your finger or the back of a spoon to create a well in the center of each piece for the filling.
-
Step 3: Add the Fillings
-
Fruit fillings: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of fruit preserves into the center of each dough ball.
-
Cream cheese filling: In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth. Spoon about 1 teaspoon into each well.
-
Nutella or chocolate filling: Add 1 teaspoon of Nutella or chocolate spread to the center of each dough ball.
-
Savory filling: If making a savory version, spoon 1 teaspoon of cooked sausage, bacon, or shredded cheese into each well.
-
Step 4: Bake the Kolaches
-
Brush the tops of the dough with an egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water) for a shiny, golden finish.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the kolaches are golden brown on top.
-
Step 5: Optional Topping
-
Once baked, let the kolaches cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- You can experiment with fillings based on what you have on hand, such as lemon curd, custard, or even savory options like ham and cheese.
- If you're short on time, you can let the dough rise in the fridge overnight for a slow rise that enhances flavor.
- These kolaches freeze wonderfully. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven before serving for the best texture.
- Try using a mix of fillings in one batch, so you can enjoy a variety of flavors!
