There’s nothing quite like the sweet, fluffy goodness of Kolache Factory treats. I’ve always been a fan of their mouthwatering pastries, and I wanted to bring that same deliciousness into my own kitchen. Whether you’re craving fruit-filled favorites or savory specialties, making them at home is easier than you might think.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
Fruit Filling Options:
- 2 cups fruit preserves (such as apricot, cherry, or blueberry)
Savory Filling Options:
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
To recreate Kolache Factory’s delicious pastries at home, I rely on the following essential equipment:
- Mixing Bowls
I use a set of sturdy mixing bowls in various sizes for combining dough ingredients and preparing fillings.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
A stand mixer makes kneading the dough effortless, though a hand mixer with dough hooks works well too.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect dough consistency.
- Dough Scraper
This tool is handy for handling and dividing the dough without sticking.
- Baking Sheets
I always have at least two baking sheets ready to accommodate multiple pastries during baking.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
These prevent the dough from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Pastry Brush
Perfect for applying the glaze evenly over the cooled kolaches.
- Small Saucepan
I use a small saucepan to prepare the glaze by gently heating powdered sugar and milk.
- Cooling Rack
Allowing the kolaches to cool evenly on a rack prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Oven
Ensuring your oven is preheated to the right temperature is key for proper rising and baking.
Directions
Recreating these Kolache Factory favorites is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to make your own delicious kolaches at home.
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of warm milk (110°F), 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of melted butter.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix on low speed until the dough comes together.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
- For fruit-filled kolaches, ensure your favorite fruit preserves or jams are at room temperature for easy spreading.
- For savory options, cook 1 pound of sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat and let it cool slightly.
- Grate 1 cup of your preferred cheese to combine with the cooked sausage for a savory filling.
Assemble the Kolaches
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to approximately 1/2-inch thickness.
- Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll the scraps as needed until all dough is used.
- Place a tablespoon of your chosen filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Arrange the filled dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, leaving about 1 inch between each.
- Cover the assembled kolaches with a clean cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the Kolaches
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the kolaches for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully baked.
- While the kolaches are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Remove the kolaches from the oven and let them cool slightly on a cooling rack.
- Brush the warm glaze over the top of each kolache for a sweet finish.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Making kolaches ahead of time can streamline your baking process and ensure you have these delightful pastries ready whenever you crave them. Here’s how you can prepare different components in advance or store finished kolaches for later enjoyment:
Preparing the Dough Ahead
- Mix and Knead the Dough: Follow the dough preparation steps outlined above, combining all ingredients and kneading until smooth.
- First Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Chill or Freeze the Dough:
- Chilling: After the first rise, punch down the dough and place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and allow it to rise again until doubled.
- Freezing: Divide the dough into portions after the first rise. Place each portion in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let come to room temperature before proceeding.
Assembling in Advance
- Fill Kolaches: Once the dough has risen a second time, add your chosen fillings to each dough circle.
- Second Rise: Let the filled kolaches rise until they become puffy.
- Refrigerate Assembled Kolaches: Arrange the filled kolaches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Remove from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Freezing Baked Kolaches
- Bake as Directed: Bake your kolaches until they are golden brown, then allow them to cool completely on a cooling rack.
- Freeze: Place the cooled kolaches in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen kolaches to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: To enjoy, remove the desired number of kolaches from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
Storage Tips
- Unbaked Dough: Store in the refrigerator or freezer as described to maintain freshness.
- Filled Dough: If assembled but not baked, refrigerate or freeze promptly to prevent spoilage.
- Baked Kolaches: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy freshly baked kolaches with minimal effort whenever the mood strikes.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve baked these kolaches to golden perfection, it’s time to elevate your serving game. Here are some of my favorite ways to present and enjoy these delightful pastries:
Pair with Beverages
- Coffee: A classic pairing. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee complements the sweet and savory flavors of kolaches.
- Tea: Opt for herbal or black teas to balance the sweetness.
- Fresh Juices: Orange or apple juice adds a refreshing touch.
Create a Brunch Spread
- Assorted Fillings: Offer a variety of kolaches with different fillings such as fruit preserves, sausage and cheese, or even spinach and feta.
- Complementary Dishes: Include items like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit to make a well-rounded brunch.
- Presentation: Arrange kolaches on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs like mint or basil for a vibrant look.
Enhance with Toppings
- Glaze Variations: Drizzle additional glazes like chocolate or caramel over the top for extra sweetness.
- Fresh Fruits: Add slices of strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi to enhance the fruity kolaches.
- Savory Additions: Sprinkle chopped chives or sesame seeds on savory kolaches for added flavor and texture.
Serve Warm
- Reheating Tips: Warm kolaches in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes before serving to refresh their softness and enhance flavors.
- Holding Warm: Use a warming tray or cover them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and warm during your gathering.
Create a Dessert Bar
- Variety of Fillings: Offer both sweet and savory options to cater to different tastes.
- Interactive Toppings Station: Let guests customize their kolaches with a selection of toppings such as whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, and various sauces.
- Themed Decorations: Decorate your dessert bar with themed elements like rustic linens or floral arrangements to make it visually appealing.
Pair with Complementary Sides
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Fresh Salad | A light, crisp salad balances the richness of kolaches. |
| Pickles | Tangy pickles add a savory contrast to sweet fillings. |
| Soups | A warm bowl of soup pairs wonderfully with savory kolaches. |
Experiment with these serving suggestions to find your favorite combinations. Whether it’s a casual family breakfast or a special brunch with friends, these kolaches are sure to impress and satisfy every palate.
Conclusion
Baking kolaches at home has been a delightful experience for me. There’s something special about creating these tasty pastries from scratch and sharing them with loved ones. The process is simpler than I expected and the results are always satisfying. I encourage you to try this copycat recipe and enjoy the flavors of Kolache Factory in your own kitchen. Happy baking!
