Homemade Kolache Recipe

Step 1

Combine milk, butter and eggs together in measuring cup (will be lumpy)

Step 2

Combine dry ingredients (ie, flour, sugar, yeast, salt) in the bowl of a standing mixer then add milk mixture from step 1 and knead for 2 minutes on low speed

Step 3

Increase speed to medium and continue kneading for 8 to 12 minutes until dough no longer sticks to side of bowl

Step 4

Place dough in an oiled bowl and let rise in warm place for 1 hour or refrigerate overnight in a covered bowl

Step 5

Combine all ingredients except for ricotta and mix well for about 1 minute. Add ricotta and mix for another 30 seconds. Cover and refrigerate until needed

Step 6

Combine all ingredients and mix together with fingers. Cover and refrigerate until needed

Step 7

Combine all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and mix well. Microwave on high for about 6 to 8 minutes and stir halfway through cooking.

Step 8

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 9

Divide dough into 16 equal size portions and form balls

Step 10

Arrange on prepared pans, cover with plastic and allow to rest in warm place for 1.5 hours

Step 11

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Step 12

Grease and flour the bottom of a ⅓ cup dry measure or a glass with a 2 ¼ inch diameter and use to make deep indents on top of each ball until bottom of measure touches baking sheet (see photo)

Step 13

Fill each indentation with about 1.5 tablespoons of filling (if you are making both cheese and fruit filling, you will need only half of each filling recipe)

Step 14

Brush tops of each pastry with egg wash, and then sprinkle sides with streusel

Step 15

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes (do not over bake - you want them very pale in color) and let cool for about 20 minutes.

Step 16

Serve warm