Czech Kolaches with Triple Delight Fillings: Poppy Seed, Creamy Peach, and Prune
Embrace the essence of Czech heritage with these fluffy and delightful Kolaches, perfect for any occasion or simply as an indulgent treat. Kolaches are a true symbol of Czech culture, showcasing an array of luscious fillings enveloped in airy bread. Each bite offers a balance of sweet or savory flavors, making them a loved staple in Texas cuisine, especially during festive celebrations like the West Fest and National Polka Festival. Whether filled with savory poppy seeds, creamy peach goodness, or a rich prune filling, these delectable pastries are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and beyond.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
25
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry yeast
2 tablespoons (proofed in lukewarm water)
lukewarm water
1/2 cup (for proofing yeast)
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (softened and additional for brushing)
vegetable shortening
1/4 cup (preferably Crisco)
sugar
1/4 cup (plus an additional 1-2 tablespoons for sprinkling)
egg yolks
2 (lightly beaten)
milk
2/3 cup (warm)
salt
1 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
4 cups
small curd cottage cheese
2 cups (drained in a sieve)
peach butter
1/2 cup
egg
1 (beaten, for creamy peach filling)
sugar
1 tablespoon (for creamy peach filling)
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (melted for creamy peach filling)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated)
dried prunes
1 lb
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
sugar
1 cup (for prune filling)
fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon
lemon zest
1 teaspoon
sugar
3/4 cup (for poppyseed filling)
cornstarch
2 teaspoons (for poppyseed filling)
poppy seeds
1 1/2 cups (ground)
whole milk
3/4 cup (for poppyseed filling)
almond extract
3/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in lukewarm water and set aside to proof for about 10 minutes.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, vegetable shortening, and 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Mix in the egg yolks, milk, and salt until thoroughly combined. Gradually stir in the proofed yeast and the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4
Cover the bowl with a towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
5
While the dough rises, prepare your preferred filling: creamy peach, prune, or poppy seed.
6
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a large baking sheet.
7
Once the dough has risen, pinch off pieces the size of a golf ball and flatten slightly. Arrange on the baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Brush the tops liberally with melted butter and let them rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size again.
8
Using your thumb, create an indentation in the center of each dough ball. For poppy seed or creamy peach fillings, make a deeper indentation to hold the filling. Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of your chosen filling into each indentation, ensuring to leave the top edges slightly exposed for the prune filling.
9
Allow the filled kolaches to rest for another 15-20 minutes before baking.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush the tops with more melted butter, sprinkling them with the remaining sugar as you go.
11
Allow the kolaches to cool on a rack. Serve them fresh for the best flavor experience — they're best enjoyed the same day.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Czech Kolaches?
Czech Kolaches are fluffy and delightful pastries that are a true symbol of Czech culture, featuring luscious fillings enveloped in airy yeast bread.
What three fillings are featured in this recipe?
This recipe features three distinct fillings: savory poppy seed, creamy peach, and a rich prune filling.
How long should the yeast be allowed to proof?
The dry yeast should be dissolved in lukewarm water and allowed to proof for approximately 10 minutes.
What type of fats are used in the kolache dough?
The dough is made using a combination of softened unsalted butter and vegetable shortening, preferably Crisco.
How long does the first rise of the dough take?
The dough should rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which typically takes between 1 and 1.5 hours.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking kolaches?
The kolaches should be baked in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C).
What size should the dough pieces be shaped into?
The dough should be pinched off into pieces the size of a golf ball and then flattened slightly.
How long is the second rise after the dough is shaped?
After being shaped and brushed with butter, the dough balls should rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size again.
How do you create space for the filling in the dough?
Use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each dough ball after the second rise.
How much filling should be placed in each kolache?
You should spoon 1-2 teaspoons of your chosen filling into the indentation of each dough ball.
Which fillings require a deeper indentation?
The poppy seed and creamy peach fillings require a deeper indentation to hold the filling properly.
What is the resting period after filling the kolaches?
Once filled, the kolaches should rest for an additional 15-20 minutes before being placed in the oven.
How long do the kolaches need to bake?
The kolaches bake for 10-12 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color.
What should be applied to the kolaches immediately after baking?
Brush the tops with more melted butter and sprinkle them with the remaining sugar as soon as they come out of the oven.
When is the best time to eat these kolaches?
They are best enjoyed fresh on the same day they are baked for the best flavor experience.
Where are kolaches a popular staple in the United States?
Kolaches are a loved staple in Texas cuisine, particularly during festive celebrations.
Which Texas festivals are known for celebrating kolaches?
The West Fest and the National Polka Festival are mentioned as popular events for enjoying kolaches.
What ingredients are needed for the creamy peach filling?
The peach filling consists of drained small curd cottage cheese, peach butter, one beaten egg, sugar, melted unsalted butter, and freshly grated nutmeg.
What are the components of the prune filling?
The prune filling is made from dried prunes, vanilla extract, sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
How do you prepare the poppy seed filling?
The poppy seed filling combines sugar, cornstarch, ground poppy seeds, whole milk, and almond extract.
How many egg yolks are required for the dough?
The dough recipe specifically calls for 2 lightly beaten egg yolks.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
What preparation is needed for the cottage cheese used in the filling?
The small curd cottage cheese should be drained in a sieve before being mixed into the filling.
How many total ingredients are listed for this recipe?
There are 25 total ingredients used across the dough and the three different types of fillings.
Is milk used in the dough and the fillings?
Yes, warm milk is used in the dough, and whole milk is specifically used for the poppy seed filling.
How is the poppy seed prepared for the filling?
The poppy seeds should be ground before being mixed with the other filling ingredients.
Should the dough balls be spaced apart on the baking sheet?
Yes, you should space the dough pieces at least 1 inch apart on a greased large baking sheet.
What provides the citrus flavor in the prune filling?
Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest provide the citrus notes in the prune filling.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch in the poppy seed filling?
The cornstarch acts as a thickener for the poppy seed filling when combined with milk and sugar.
What is the recommended liquid for proofing the yeast?
The yeast should be proofed in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water.