Grandma's German Kolaches
Transport your taste buds to the heart of Germany with "Grandma's German Kolaches," a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. These soft and pillowy sweet buns, crafted from a rich, buttery yeast dough, are filled with your choice of luscious fruit preserves or creamy cheese, making each bite a delightful surprise. Perfectly golden and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these traditional kolaches are as beautiful as they are delicious. With just a hint of vanilla and a tender crumb, they’re ideal for brunches, celebratory gatherings, or an indulgent morning treat. Made from a simple combination of pantry staples like flour, milk, and eggs, this recipe promises bakery-quality results at home. Learn how to create this nostalgic classic, complete with tips for achieving the perfect rise and the ultimate filling-to-dough ratio. Bake a batch and experience a sweet connection to old-world traditions!
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Ingredients
- 5 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1.25 cups Whole milk
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 3 large Egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Fruit preserves or cream cheese filling
- 0.25 cup Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Stir until well-mixed.
Step 2
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and unsalted butter over medium-low heat until the butter melts and the mixture reaches about 110°F (warm but not hot to the touch). Remove from heat.
Step 3
Add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients, along with the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
Step 4
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 5
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 6
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 7
Punch down the dough and divide it into 24 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8
Cover the dough balls loosely with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffed.
Step 9
Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, gently press a small well into the center of each risen dough ball. Fill the well with about 1 teaspoon of fruit preserves or cream cheese filling.
Step 10
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the kolaches in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 11
Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1397.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4073.9 |
| Total Fat 77.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 39.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g | |
| Cholesterol 714.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2581.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 762.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 20.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 266.4g | |
| Protein 83.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 189.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium 563.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 30.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1438.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories