Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of a Czech classic with this Sugar-Free Traditional Kolache recipe, a healthier twist on a beloved pastry. Made with wholesome ingredients like honey for natural sweetness and unsweetened fruit preserves, these pillowy, golden treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as an on-the-go snack. The soft, yeast-risen dough is enriched with whole milk and butter, then filled with your choice of fruity preserves—think apricot, plum, or cherry—making them irresistibly flavorful without added refined sugar. With a simple egg wash for a bakery-style finish, these kolache are as beautiful as they are delicious. Plus, with only 30 minutes of prep and a light kneading process, this recipe is approachable for novice and experienced bakers alike. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a sweet treat that’s as comforting as it is guilt-free!
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In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until warm (about 110°F/43°C). Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter, honey, and salt until melted and combined. Let cool slightly.
In a small bowl, dissolve the dry active yeast in the warm water and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk mixture, yeast mixture, and egg. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
Gently flatten each ball slightly and use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a well in the center of each dough ball. Fill each well with about a tablespoon of unsweetened fruit preserves.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the edges of the kolache dough to give it a golden finish during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the filling is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving size | (1072.0g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2460.6 |
Total Fat 72.8g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 36.8g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g | |
Cholesterol 558.8mg | 0% |
Sodium 1470.6mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 385.1g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 14.6g | 0% |
Total Sugars 60.8g | |
Protein 68.2g | 0% |
Vitamin D 202.1IU | 0% |
Calcium 438.9mg | 0% |
Iron 22.4mg | 0% |
Potassium 1308.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories