Award Winning Kolache Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Delicious Kolaches

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family? Look no further than this award win……

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family? Look no further than this award winning kolache recipe, which combines tradition and innovation to create the perfect pastry. Kolaches, a beloved Czech pastry, are known for their soft, pillowy dough and delightful fillings. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

### What Makes This Kolache Recipe Award Winning?

The secret to this award winning kolache recipe lies in its meticulous attention to detail and high-quality ingredients. Each component is carefully selected to ensure that the final product is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The dough is made from scratch, using fresh ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor and tender texture.

### Ingredients You'll Need

To recreate this award winning kolache recipe, gather the following ingredients:

- **For the Dough:**

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup milk

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter

- 2 large eggs

- 1 packet active dry yeast

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- **For the Filling:**

- 1 cup fruit preserves (your choice: apricot, raspberry, or poppy seed)

- Optional: Cream cheese filling for a richer taste

### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Activate the Yeast:** Begin by warming the milk until it’s lukewarm. Add the yeast and a pinch of sugar, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. **Prepare the Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the eggs, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

3. **Knead the Dough:** Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

4. **Shape the Kolaches:** Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. **Add the Filling:** Create a small indentation in the center of each circle and fill it with your desired fruit preserves or cream cheese filling.

6. **Second Rise:** Cover the filled kolaches with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

7. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the kolaches for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

8. **Cool and Serve:** Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your freshly baked kolaches with a cup of coffee or tea!

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This award winning kolache recipe is not just about taste; it’s about creating memories. The process of baking these delightful pastries can be a wonderful bonding experience for families and friends. The aroma of freshly baked kolaches wafting through your home will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eager to taste your creation.

### Tips for Success

- **Experiment with Fillings:** While fruit preserves are traditional, feel free to get creative! Try different combinations like chocolate, nuts, or even savory options like sausage and cheese.

- **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and filling.

- **Storage:** Kolaches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for a few days. They also freeze well for later enjoyment.

In conclusion, this award winning kolache recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their baking skills and enjoy a delightful treat. With its soft, pillowy dough and delicious fillings, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds! So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress with this delightful pastry that’s sure to win hearts and taste buds alike. Happy baking!