Kolaches are a sweet pastry that originated in Central Europe and became popular in Texas and other parts of the American South. The name comes from the Czech and Slovak word “koláče” which means “cake” or “pastry”.
Quick Answer: Kolaches are made from dough, fruit filling, and sometimes a topping.
Kolaches have a soft yeast dough that can be either sweet or savory. The most common sweet kolache fillings are fruit jams, jellies, preserves, cinnamon-sugar mixes, or cream cheese. Savory kolaches may be filled with meats, vegetables, or cheeses. A topping like powdered sugar, icing, or streusel may also be added on top.
The Main Kolache Dough Ingredients
The main ingredients that go into making kolache dough are:
- Flour – Usually all-purpose flour or bread flour. This gives the dough structure.
- Yeast – Active dry yeast that feeds on the sugars and causes the dough to rise.
- Milk – Provides moisture and food for the yeast.
- Butter or oil – Adds richness and softens the dough.
- Egg – Helps bind the dough and contributes to texture.
- Sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness.
- Salt – For flavor and to control yeast activity.
The amounts of each ingredient depend on the specific recipe, but typical kolache dough contains a balance of flour, milk, eggs, yeast, sugar, butter or oil, and salt. Some recipes may also include extras like lemon zest, vanilla, cottage cheese, sour cream, or potato flour for texture.
Shaping the Dough
Once the dough ingredients are combined, the kolache dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten strands and allows the dough to proof properly. The dough is rolled out or stretched by hand into rounds. Portions of dough are cut out or shaped into balls then flattened.
The kolache dough rounds are typically about 3 inches wide and 1 inch tall. They can be pressed into muffin tins or baked free-form on a cookie sheet. Part of the shaping process involves leaving a indentation or “pocket” in the center to hold the filling.
Common Kolache Fillings
The kolache filling is what really brings this pastry to life! Sweet or savory, the filling adds delicious flavor and texture inside the soft yeast dough. Some of the most popular kolache fillings include:
Fruit Fillings
- Strawberry
- Blueberry
- Cherry
- Apricot
- Raspberry
- Peach
- Pineapple
These fruit fillings are usually made with fresh or preserved fruit that is cooked down into a thickened jam-like consistency. A spoonful of the fruit filling is placed into the pocket of the shaped dough rounds before baking.
Cream Cheese Fillings
- Plain Cream Cheese
- Cream Cheese with Fruit
- Cinnamon Cream Cheese
- Honey Cream Cheese
- Lemon Cream Cheese
Sweetened cream cheese fillings have a rich and tangy flavor. The cream cheese is whipped until smooth then combined with flavors like fruit spreads, honey, cinnamon, or lemon juice and zest.
Other Sweet Fillings
- Custard
- Nutella
- Coconut
- Lemon Curd
- Chocolate Hazelnut
- Dulce de Leche
- Apple Butter
- Cookie Dough
The possibilities are endless when it comes to sweet kolache fillings! Custards, chocolate spreads, jams, curds, and cookie dough are all delicious options.
Savory Fillings
- Sausage
- Bacon
- Ham
- Pepperoni
- Cheese
- Spinach and Feta
- Jalapeño Popper
Savory kolaches open up even more possibilities with meat, veggie, and cheese fillings. Popular options include smoked kielbasa, Gouda, scrambled eggs with bacon, and jalapeño cream cheese.
Topping Kolaches
While not all kolaches are topped, some extra touches can take them to the next level. Common kolache toppings include:
- Streusel – A crumbly mix of flour, butter, and sugar that adds crunch.
- Powdered Sugar – A light dusting that provides sweetness.
- Glaze – Thin icings made with powdered sugar or milk that add shine and decoration.
- Cream Cheese Icing – A creamy white topping for extra richness.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Melted chocolate that dresses up the pastries.
- Fruit – Fresh berries or other fruits can adorn the tops.
The streusel is traditionally the most popular kolache topping. The sweet crumbs pair nicely with the soft dough and filling. Powdered sugar or a light glaze are also commonly used.
The History of Kolaches
Kolaches trace their origins back to Central Europe in the 19th century. They were brought over to Texas by Czech and Slovak immigrants in the late 1800s and became a cultural staple.
The pastry was a reminder of the old homeland and a tasty treat to share. Czech and Slovak communities in Texas held traditional dances and kolache festivals.
Kolaches began being produced commercially in Texas bakeries. Over time they evolved with Americanized flavors and variations like sausage kolaches. They are now popular across the Southern United States.
Kolache Tradition in the Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, koláče are still part of traditional cuisine today. Sweet kolaches are topped with fruit, custard, chocolate, or cheese. Popular flavors include makový (poppy seed), tvarohový (curd cheese), and povidlový (plum jam).
Savory koláče variations may be topped with onion, bacon, cabbage, or mushrooms. Koláče are often enjoyed on holidays, at special events, and weekend family gatherings in the Czech Republic.
Kolache Tradition in Texas
Texas put its own unique spin on kolaches over the years. The signature feature is the kolache dough pocket with sweet or savory fillings. Common Texas kolache flavors include sausages, fruit jams, and cheese.
Large bakeries like Shipley Do-Nuts mass produce kolaches, while smaller Czech bakeries also handmake traditional recipes. The kolache has become ingrained in Texas food culture.
Many Texas towns have annual Kolache Festivals that celebrate the pastry. Slovacek’s bakery claims to make the “world’s largest kolache” that weighs over 1,800 pounds in West, Texas!
How to Make Kolaches
Making homemade kolaches requires a bit of time but it’s a very rewarding process. Here is an overview of the kolache making steps:
Ingredients
- Kolache Dough – Makes 2 dozen kolaches
- 4 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 eggs
- 6 tbsp butter, softened
- Fillings & Toppings
- Fruit jam, lemon curd, chocolate-hazelnut spread, cream cheese, cooked sausage, etc.
- Powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, streusel, icing, etc.
Make the Dough
- Warm the milk slightly and stir in the yeast, sugar and salt to dissolve.
- Beat in the eggs, water, and softened butter until combined.
- Mix in the flour 1 cup at a time until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1-2 hours.
Shape the Kolaches
- Punch down risen dough and divide into 24 pieces. Roll into balls.
- Flour a surface and use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into 3-inch rounds.
- Add a spoonful of filling into the center of each round, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Fold the edges of dough up around the filling and pinch together.
- Place kolaches in greased muffin tins or on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise another 30 minutes until puffy.
Bake the Kolaches
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brush kolaches with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before removing from pan.
- Dust with powdered sugar or top as desired.
Be sure to let the kolaches cool for at least 15-20 minutes before enjoying. The fillings will be molten hot right out of the oven. Now dig into these tasty homemade pastries!
Popular Kolache Fillings and Topping Combinations
Here are some delicious kolache fillings and topping ideas to try:
| Filling Flavor | Topping |
|---|---|
| Cherry Pie Filling | Streusel |
| Apple Pie Filling | Cinnamon Sugar |
| Lemon Curd | Powdered Sugar |
| Cream Cheese | Fruit Jam |
| Chocolate Hazelnut Spread | Powdered Sugar |
| Cook Sausage and Cheese | No Topping |
Try out sweet and savory flavor combinations until you find your favorites!
Tips for Making Perfect Kolaches
Here are some helpful tips for kolache success:
- Use an enriched dough – Milk, eggs, butter, and a touch of sugar enrich the base kolache dough.
- Knead thoroughly – Spend 5-8 minutes kneading once the flour is incorporated so the dough becomes elastic.
- Let dough rise twice – Allow the dough to proof initially after kneading, then again after shaping.
- Shape even rounds – Use a floured rolling pin to shape smooth, evenly-sized dough rounds for the kolache base.
- Create a pocket – Leave a indent in the center of rounds so the filling can nestle inside.
- Use room temperature fillings – Cold fruit or cream cheese fillings will make the dough crack. Bring to room temp first.
- Prevent overfilling – Too much filling may cause kolaches to burst. Stick to a tablespoon or two max.
- Egg wash before baking – An egg wash gives kolaches a golden sheen and helps any toppings adhere.
- Cool completely – Allowing kolaches to cool prevents burnt mouths! The filling needs time to set up too.
Storing and Reheating Kolaches
Kolaches are best enjoyed fresh but leftovers can be stored and reheated.
Storage
- Room temperature – 1-2 days covered at room temp.
- Refrigerator – 5-7 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer – Up to 2-3 months in a freezer bag.
Reheating
- Microwave – 30 seconds, until just warmed through.
- Oven – 3-5 minutes at 300°F.
- Toaster Oven – 2-3 minutes at 300°F
Avoid overheating or kolaches will get too dried out. Microwaving works best to gently warm without drying.
Where to Find Kolaches
From bakeries to donut shops, you can find kolaches all over Texas. Some top spots include:
West, Texas
- Czech Stop and Little Czech Bakery
- Village Bakery
- Slovacek’s
West is the kolache capital of Texas! Load up on Czech pastries in this small town.
Houston, Texas
- Christie’s Donuts
- Sweet Cup Kolache
- Don’s Donuts
- The Kolache Factory
Houston has its fair share of classic kolache shops to satisfy cravings.
Austin, Texas
- Texas Czech Bakery
- Quack’s Bakery
- Upper Crust Bakery
- Delia’s Tamales and Kolaches
In the capital of Texas, kolaches are always in high demand. Hit up these spots for your fix.
Dallas, Texas
- Emporium Pies
- Maple Leaf Diner
- Village Baking
- Czech Packing Company
Dallas makes bold kolache creations including even savory pies. Check out these hot spots.
Conclusion
Kolaches are a delicious and iconic Texas treat with an interesting history. These sweet and savory pastries are made from a soft yeast dough, various fillings, and optional toppings.
Fruit jams, cinnamon, cream cheese, and sausage are just some of the tasty fillings between the dough “pockets”. A light streusel or dusting of powdered sugar finishes them off. Now that you know the key ingredients and techniques, try making your own kolaches!
