Kolache is a traditional Czech pastry that is often enjoyed as a sweet breakfast or snack food. The pastry typically consists of a soft, yeasted dough that is filled with a sweet filling, such as fruit, cheese, or jam. The dough is shaped into a round or oblong shape, with the filling placed in the center, and then baked until golden brown.
Kolache can be filled with a wide variety of sweet and savory fillings, and are often decorated with raisins or almonds. In the Czech Republic, traditional fruit fillings include apricot, blueberry, plum, and poppy seed. Cheese fillings, such as farmers cheese or quark, are also popular, and can be sweetened with sugar or flavored with vanilla.
Kolache are a staple of Czech cuisine and can be found in many bakeries and cafes in the Czech Republic. They are often served with coffee or tea, and are a popular treat for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. In recent years, kolache have become popular in other countries as well, and can now be found in Czech-style bakeries and cafes around the world.
Kolache variations
There are tens of variations of kolache. Not just different filling, shape or size but also we have many different recipes. These are some of them:
- Frgál kolache – a traditional Czech pastry that originates from the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. The exact origins of frgál kolache are not well documented, but it is believed that the pastry has been made in the region for centuries.
- Moravian kolache – a type of sweet pastry that is popular in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic. They are smaller in size than traditional kolache, and have a denser, more bread-like texture.
- Bridal kolache, also known as “svatební koláče” in Czech, are a type of traditional Czech pastry that are often served at weddings. They are small, sweet pastries that are usually round in shape and decorated with sugar, frosting, or other decorative elements.
Ingredients for kolache
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 envelope active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fruit filling of your choice (such as apricot, cherry, or poppyseed)
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
Kolache recipe
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let stand for 5 minutes, or until the mixture begins to foam.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture, and stir to combine.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture, and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Punch down the dough, and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 pieces.
- Roll each piece of dough into a round shape, and place a spoonful of fruit filling in the center of each round.
- Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside, and shape the dough into a ball.
- Place the kolache on a greased baking sheet, and brush the tops with the beaten egg white.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the kolache are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Enjoy your delicious and authentic Czech kolache!
