Authentic Czech Poppy Seed Kolache Recipe: A Delicious Treat from Eastern Europe

Czech poppy seed kolaches are a beloved pastry in Eastern European cuisine, known for their tender dough and sweet, nutty filling. These delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. In this guide, we'll explore the traditional ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and tips for making the perfect Czech poppy seed kolaches at home.

1. Key Ingredients

a. Dough

  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for the dough.
  • Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the dough.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
  • Yeast: Leavens the dough, giving it a light and airy texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the dough.

czech poppy seed kolache recipe

b. Poppy Seed Filling

  • Poppy Seeds: The star ingredient, providing a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
  • Milk: Used to cook the poppy seeds and create a thick filling.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the nuttiness of the poppy seeds.
  • Butter: Adds richness and enhances the flavor of the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.

2. Step-by-Step Recipe

a. Making the Dough

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup milk, warmed

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and activated yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a 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.

b. Preparing the Filling

Ingredients

  • 1 cup poppy seeds

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

czech poppy seed kolache recipe

Instructions

  1. Cook the Poppy Seeds: In a small saucepan, combine the poppy seeds and milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.

  2. Sweeten the Filling: Add the sugar, butter, and vanilla extract to the cooked poppy seed mixture. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the filling is well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool.

c. Assembling and Baking

  1. Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal-sized portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
  2. Make an Indentation: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
  3. Fill the Indentation: Spoon a generous amount of the poppy seed filling into the indentation of each dough ball.
  4. Second Rise: Cover the filled dough balls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the kolaches have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the kolaches from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

3. Tips and Variations

a. Variations

  • Fruit Filling: Substitute the poppy seed filling with other traditional fillings like apricot, cherry, or prune.
  • Cream Cheese Filling: Add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese to the center of each kolache before baking for a creamy twist.

b. Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store leftover kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooled kolaches in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

Czech poppy seed kolaches are a delightful pastry that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Eastern Europe. With their tender dough and sweet, nutty filling, these pastries are sure to become a favorite in your home. Follow this authentic recipe and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade Czech poppy seed kolaches.




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