Recipe
Koláče - Czech Sweet Pastries
Delightful Czech Koláče: A Sweet Journey of Flavors
4.6 out of 5
Indulge in the delightful world of Czech cuisine with this authentic recipe for Koláče. These sweet pastries are a beloved treat in Czech culture, known for their soft dough and delicious fillings. Get ready to experience a burst of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Czech Republic.
Metadata
Preparation time
30 minutes
Cooking time
15-20 minutes
Total time
1 hour 50 minutes
Yields
12 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Egg-free (if using eggless dough)
Allergens
Wheat (gluten), Dairy (butter, milk), Eggs (unless using eggless dough)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Keto, Paleo
Ingredients
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3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (240ml) warm milk 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
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2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
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2 large eggs 2 large eggs
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Filling options: fruit preserves, poppy seeds, sweet cheese, or other desired fillings Filling options: fruit preserves, poppy seeds, sweet cheese, or other desired fillings
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Powdered sugar or icing, for dusting (optional) Powdered sugar or icing, for dusting (optional)
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
- Fat: 10g (6g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 35g (12g sugars)
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Salt: 0.3g
Preparation
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1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
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2.In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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3.Add the softened butter and eggs to the yeast mixture and whisk until well combined.
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4.Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
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5.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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6.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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7.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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8.Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions.
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9.Roll each portion into a small circle and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
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10.Add a spoonful of desired filling in the center of each dough circle.
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11.Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a round or square shape.
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12.Bake the Koláče for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
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13.Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
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14.Optional: Dust the Koláče with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing for added sweetness.
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15.Serve warm or at room temperature.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Yeast — Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active to achieve a good rise in the dough.
- Filling — Experiment with different fillings such as apricot preserves, poppy seed filling, or sweet cheese to discover your favorite flavor combination.
- Butter — Use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the dough.
- Milk — Warm the milk to around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
- Powdered sugar or icing — Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less powdered sugar or icing.
Tips & Tricks
- For a shiny finish, brush the Koláče with an egg wash before baking.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place, such as near a window or on top of a preheated oven, to speed up the rising process.
- Experiment with different shapes for your Koláče, such as folding the dough into a triangle or pinching the edges to create a star shape.
- If using fruit preserves as a filling, make sure to drain any excess liquid to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Serve the Koláče warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful Czech experience.
Serving advice
Serve the Koláče warm or at room temperature as a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Koláče on a serving platter, dust them with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation. Alternatively, drizzle them with a thin icing glaze for a more decorative look.
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