Exploring the Delightful Czech Apricot Kolache Recipe

If you're a fan of sweet treats with a touch of European flair, you're in for a treat with this Czech Apricot Kolache recipe. These delightful pastries are a beloved tradition in Czech cuisine, featuring a soft, pillowy dough filled with a sweet apricot filling. Let's dive into the world of Czech baking and discover how to make these delicious treats right in your own kitchen.

1. Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional)

czech apricot kolache recipe

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup apricot preserves or jam

For the Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2. Instructions:

Making the Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon or orange zest (if using).
  3. Add the yeast mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
  4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

czech apricot kolache recipe

Assembling the Kolaches:

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal-sized pieces (about 2-3 tablespoons of dough per piece).
  2. Roll each piece of dough into a ball and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one.
  3. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
  4. Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of apricot preserves or jam.

Baking the Kolaches:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cover the filled kolaches with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.
  3. Once risen, bake the kolaches in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  4. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Glazing the Kolaches:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled kolaches.
  3. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Conclusion:

These Czech Apricot Kolaches are a delightful combination of soft, buttery dough and sweet apricot filling, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Whether you're embracing your Czech heritage or simply craving a taste of something new, these kolaches are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and charming appearance. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly delightful treat.




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