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Delicious easy Czech kolache pastries filled with fruit and cream cheese.

Easy Czech Kolache Fruit Filled Pastry

Soft, slightly sweet pastries filled with fruit or sweet cheese, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: Czech, European
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups All purpose flour Spoon into cup and level off to avoid packing.
  • 1 cup Milk Warmed slightly to activate yeast.
  • 2 teaspoons Yeast Active dry or instant yeast work.
  • 1/4 cup Sugar For sweet dough.
  • 1/2 cup Butter Melted for flavor and softness.
  • 2 large Eggs Help with richness and structure.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor.
Filling Options
  • 1 cup Fruit filling Jam, preserves, or cooked fruit.
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese Softened for sweet cheese filling.
  • 1 large Egg yolk For sweet cheese filling.
  • 3-4 tablespoons Sugar For sweet cheese filling, adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract For sweet cheese filling.

Method
 

Prepare Dough
  1. Warm the milk until just warm to the touch. Stir in sugar and yeast, and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and remaining sugar. Stir to combine.
  3. Gradually add flour while mixing until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
  4. Knead dough for about 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and stretchy.
  5. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 60 to 90 minutes.
Shape and Fill
  1. Divide risen dough into equal pieces and roll into balls.
  2. Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let puff up for 20 to 30 minutes.
  3. Create wells in the center of each ball for filling.
Prepare Fillings
  1. For fruit filling, spoon jam or cooked fruit into wells.
  2. For sweet cheese filling, mix cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla until smooth; spoon into wells.
Bake
  1. Brush edges with melted butter or egg wash if desired.
  2. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  3. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

These kolaches can be stored at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated if filled with cheese. Freeze for up to 2 months for best results.