Czech Kolace Recipe

Kolace

Description:
Pronounced “KO-la-chay,” Kolace is a beloved traditional Czechoslovakian recipe passed down through generations, cherished by families for its rich cultural heritage and irresistible taste. This recipe, reminiscent of cherished memories with grandmothers in the kitchen, embodies the heartwarming essence of home-cooked goodness. With its tender dough and delightful fillings, Kolace brings comfort and joy to any occasion.

Recipe Category: Breads

Keywords: Dessert, Czech, European, Weeknight, For Large Groups, Oven, < 4 Hours

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 73.5 per serving
• Fat Content: 2.6g
  • Saturated Fat Content: 1.5g
• Cholesterol Content: 15mg
• Sodium Content: 93.1mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 10.8g
  • Fiber Content: 0.3g
  • Sugar Content: 2.1g
• Protein Content: 1.6g

Servings: Makes 48-60 kolaces

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan.
   • Add butter, sugar, and salt to the boiled milk, then mix well and let it cool for 5 minutes.
   • In a separate bowl, proof the yeast by mixing it with a little warm water and sugar until foamy.

2. Mixing the Dough:

   • Stir the eggs and proofed yeast into the cooled milk mixture, along with any desired flavorings such as vanilla or mace.
   • Place the milk mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
   • Gradually sift in enough flour to make a thick batter, then switch to a dough hook attachment.
   • Continue adding flour gradually until the mixture forms a soft dough.

3. Kneading and Rising:

   • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic, ensuring it does not stick.
   • Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.

4. Shaping the Kolaces:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into even, egg-sized pieces.
   • Work each piece of dough into a 3-inch circle in the palm of your hand, using your fingers to flatten and shape it.
   • Place about 1/2 teaspoon of filling of your choice (such as poppyseed) in the center of each circle.
   • Draw up the sides of the dough around the filling and pinch firmly to seal it.

5. Final Rise and Topping:

   • Arrange the filled kolaces on a well-greased baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches of space between each one.
   • Cover the kolaces and let them rise again in a warm place.
   • While the kolaces are rising, prepare the crumb topping by mixing together the ingredients.

6. Baking:

   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Brush the risen kolaces with a mixture of beaten egg and milk.
   • Sprinkle the kolaces with the crumb topping.
   • Bake for about 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.

7. Finishing Touches:

   • Once baked, remove the kolaces from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Once cooled, dust the kolaces liberally with vanilla sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy your homemade Kolaces! 🍞🇨🇿