Indulge in a burst of fruity goodness with our delectable “Fruit-Filled Kolaches” recipe. These delightful pastries are a perfect marriage of buttery dough and luscious fruit fillings, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to a realm of pure delight. Whether you’re an avid baker or a casual kitchen adventurer, these kolaches promise a heavenly experience with every bite.
Unveil the magic of our “Fruit-Filled Kolaches” – a recipe that marries the richness of buttery dough with the sweetness of fruit preserves. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet indulgence any time of the day, these kolaches are a celebration of flavor and the joy of homemade baking. Elevate your kitchen skills and enchant your senses with these delightful pastries.
What Exactly Are Kolaches?
Pronounced “koh-lah-shee,” the word kolache is derived from the Czech word, kola, meaning “wheels” or “rounds,” referring to the shape of the pastry. A staple of Czech culture, kolaches gained popularity in the United States in the 1880s when thousands of Czech people immigrated to Texas.
Kolaches were traditionally made in the homes of Czech families with a sweetened yeast dough that was hollowed out in the center and filled with fresh or frozen fruit as a common afternoon snack. Fillings were typically made from apricots, poppy seeds, prunes, and cherries — all of which are common and available in Eastern Europe.
I first heard of kolaches when I decided to make them myself. I was intrigued by the similarity in appearance to danish, but they are very different. These are make from a yeast-based dough, and when baked, they taste like a filled sweetened bread.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup fruit preserves (apricot, strawberry, or your choice)
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles.
Add Fruit Filling: Place a small dollop of fruit preserves in the center of each dough circle. Be creative and mix different fruit flavors for a variety of kolaches.
Shape Kolaches: Fold the edges of the dough circle over the fruit filling, creating a pinwheel or square shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and fruit preserves.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Arrange the shaped kolaches on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar: Allow the kolaches to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Serve and Enjoy: These fruit-filled kolaches are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.