Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup farmer’s cheese or cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold butter
- For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the farmer’s cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cold butter. Use your fingers to crumble the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Shape the Kolaches:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 20 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly and make an indentation in the center using your thumb or the back of a spoon. Fill each indentation with a spoonful of the cheese filling and sprinkle with the crumb topping.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy these delicious traditional Czech wedding kolaches with your family and friends!