Czech Kolaches¶
 Serves |
 Total Time |
|---|---|
| 30 | 3.17 hours |
Ingredients¶
- 1.25 cups (283g) milk, lukewarm, divided
- 2.5 teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon (14g) granulated sugar
- 3.25 cups (390g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest or ⅛ teaspoon lemon oil
- 3 /4 teaspoon table salt
- 1 /3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 1 /4 cup (30g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 teaspoons (14g) Instant Clearjel or 2 tablespoons (14g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1 /4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 /2 cup (113g) ricotta cheese or farmer's cheese, well drained
- some pinch of ground nutmeg
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples
- 1 /4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons (14g) Instant Clearjel or cornstarch
- 1 /4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 /4 cup (28g) pecans, chopped
- 1 /2 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
Cookware¶
- 1 mixing
- 1 bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 food processor
- 1 oven
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 oven
- 1 oven
- 1 oven
Instructions¶
Step 1¶
(283g) milk, lukewarm, divided
Step 2¶
instant yeast or active dry yeast
Step 3¶
(14g) granulated sugar
Step 4¶
(390g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
Step 5¶
(85g) unsalted butter, softened
Step 6¶
egg
Step 7¶
lemon zest or ⅛ teaspoon lemon oil
Step 8¶
/4 teaspoon table salt
Step 9¶
/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
Step 10¶
/4 cup (30g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
Step 11¶
(28g) unsalted butter, melted
Step 12¶
(14g) Instant Clearjel or 2 tablespoons (14g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
Step 13¶
/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
Step 14¶
/2 cup (113g) ricotta cheese or farmer's cheese, well drained
Step 15¶
pinch of ground nutmeg
Step 16¶
Granny Smith apples
Step 17¶
/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
Step 18¶
(14g) Instant Clearjel or cornstarch
Step 19¶
/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step 20¶
/4 cup (28g) pecans, chopped
Step 21¶
/2 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
Step 22¶
To make the dough: Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. In a large mixing bowl{}, combine ¼ cup of the milk, the yeast, sugar, and ¼ cup of the flour. Mix thoroughly and lest rest for 15 minutes, until the mixture becomes bubbly.
Step 23¶
Add the remaining dough ingredients and mix and knead until you have a smooth, somewhat sticky dough. Cover and let rise for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until doubled. While the dough is rising, make the topping and filling(s).
Step 24¶
To make the topping: Combine all the ingredients until crumbs form; set aside.
Step 25¶
To make the cheese filling: whisk together the ClearJel or flour and sugar, then mix in the cheese and nutmeg until smooth.
Step 26¶
For the apple filling: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples; a food processor works well here. Combine the sugar and ClearJel or cornstarch, and mix into the apples. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the apples are tender and the filling is thick. Remove from the heat and stir in the cinnamon, nuts, and vanilla. Cool to room temperature before using.
Step 27¶
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 28¶
To assemble: Transfer the risen dough to a lightly greased work surface, and gently deflate it. Cut walnut-sized pieces of dough (1 scant ounce, 28g) and shape into slightly flattened balls.
Step 29¶
Place the pieces of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and let rise until puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes. Using your fingers, press a deep indentation in the center of each ball (too shallow, and the fillings will tumble out as the kolaches rise in the oven).
Step 30¶
Add a mounded tablespoon of Apple Filling, or 2 teaspoons of Cheese Filling, and crumble a teaspoon of the topping mixture over each.
Step 31¶
Bake the kolaches for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove them from the oven and cool before serving.
Step 32¶
Store in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 1 week. If desired, reheat kolaches for 5 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven.
Source