Description
Soft, pillowy Czech koláče are traditional yeast buns filled with sweet fruit preserves and finished with a buttery crumble topping. Tender and lightly sweet, they are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or alongside coffee.
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup fruit preserves (apricot, plum, or raspberry)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crumble topping)
2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed (for crumble topping)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 10–12 equal pieces, shape into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each one.
- Press a deep indentation into the center of each bun using your thumb or the back of a spoon. Fill each with about 1 tablespoon of fruit preserves.
- To make the crumble topping, rub together the flour, sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over each bun.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Thicker fruit preserves such as apricot, plum, or raspberry work best to prevent spreading.
For variation, substitute preserves with sweetened poppy seed filling or sweetened farmer’s cheese.
You can prepare the dough ahead and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before shaping.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked koláče for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before reheating.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Czech
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
