This kolaches dough recipe is designed for bread machines, making the process of creating these delightful pastries simple and efficient. Kolaches are traditional Czech pastries filled with various sweet or savory fillings, and using a bread machine ensures a perfectly mixed and kneaded dough.
The recipe is straightforward and requires basic ingredients, allowing you to customize your kolaches with your favorite fillings like fruit preserves, cream cheese, or sausage.
The Allure of Kolaches
Kolaches are delightful pastries that have captured the hearts of many with their soft, sweet dough and versatile fillings. Originating from Czech traditions, these treats are not only a staple in many households but also a symbol of comfort and warmth.
These pastries can be filled with a variety of ingredients, ranging from fruit preserves to creamy cheese, making them suitable for any palate. The golden-brown exterior, slightly puffed, invites you to take a bite, revealing a burst of flavor within.
Creating the Perfect Dough
Making kolaches begins with a simple yet effective dough that can be easily prepared using a bread machine. This method simplifies the process, ensuring that the dough is mixed and kneaded to perfection without much effort.
The ingredients are basic: warm milk, sugar, butter, egg, flour, salt, and yeast. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that soft and slightly sweet texture that kolaches are known for. The dough is ready in about two hours, yielding enough for approximately twelve pastries.
Filling Options Galore
One of the most enjoyable aspects of making kolaches is the variety of fillings you can choose. Traditional options include colorful fruit preserves, which add a sweet and tangy flavor, or cream cheese for a rich, smooth contrast.
For those who prefer savory, options like sausage or cheese can also be used, allowing for a delightful twist on the classic pastry. The choice of filling can reflect personal taste or seasonal ingredients, making each batch unique.
Shaping and Baking Kolaches
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the kolaches. After dividing the dough into equal pieces, each piece is flattened and filled with the chosen filling. The edges are then folded over to create a little pocket of goodness.
After shaping, the kolaches undergo a final rise before baking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect puffiness. Baking them at 375°F results in a beautifully golden exterior that is both inviting and appetizing.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, kolaches can be served warm or at room temperature. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and enhances their visual appeal. They make for an excellent breakfast treat, a delightful snack, or even a dessert.
Arranging them on a rustic wooden table creates a charming presentation, perfect for gatherings or family brunches. The sight of these pastries, with some cut in half to showcase their colorful fillings, is sure to entice anyone who walks by.
Enjoying the Experience
Making kolaches is not just about the end product; it’s about the experience of creating something delicious. Whether baking alone or with loved ones, the process brings joy and satisfaction.
These pastries are more than just food; they are a way to connect with tradition, share with others, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. So gather your ingredients, fire up the bread machine, and indulge in the delightful world of kolaches!
Easy Bread Machine Kolaches Dough
This kolaches dough is soft and slightly sweet, perfect for holding a variety of fillings. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields enough dough for approximately 12 kolaches.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: In the bread machine pan, add the warm milk, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Then, add the flour, salt, and yeast in that order.
- Select Cycle: Choose the ‘Dough’ cycle on your bread machine and start the machine.
- Let Rise: Once the cycle is complete, remove the dough from the pan and place it on a floured surface. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for about 30 minutes.
- Shape Kolaches: After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and flatten it slightly. Place your desired filling in the center and fold the edges over to seal.
- Final Rise: Place the filled kolaches on a greased baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the kolaches for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 kolaches
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g