Name: Freeze-Friendly Czech Pastries
Prep time: 1 h 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-484956H49M39S
Cuisine: Czech / Eastern European
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast; ¾ cup whole milk, warm; ¼ cup sugar; 2 eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ tsp salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Apricot preserves; Blueberry jam; Plum jam; Poppy seed filling; ¼ cup sugar; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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Homemade Kolaches are a beloved Czech pastry known for their pillowy soft dough and variety of sweet fillings—ranging from fruit preserves to creamy cheese and poppy seed paste. These golden-baked buns are a perfect addition to breakfast, brunch, or dessert tables, and thanks to their freezer-friendly nature, you can enjoy them fresh anytime with a simple reheat. A nostalgic comfort bake that brings joy with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, buttery dough with rich, old-world flavor
Customizable with traditional or seasonal fillings
Crowd-pleasing pastries ideal for breakfast or brunch
Nostalgic treat with Central European roots
Great for gifting, gatherings, or weekend baking
Easy to freeze and reheat for convenience
Versatile—fill with cream cheese, apricot, blueberry, plum, or poppy seed
Topped with a buttery streusel (posypka) for added texture
Satisfying to make from scratch, even for beginner bakers
Perfect balance of tender bread and sweet filling

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:
all-purpose flour
active dry yeast
whole milk, warm
sugar
eggs
unsalted butter, melted
salt

For the cheese filling:
cream cheese, softened
sugar
egg yolk
vanilla extract

Optional fruit fillings:
apricot preserves
blueberry jam
plum jam
poppy seed filling

Streusel topping (posypka):
sugar
all-purpose flour
unsalted butter, cold and cubed

directions

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, then gradually mix in the flour to form a soft dough.
Knead the dough on a floured surface or with a stand mixer for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the cheese filling by mixing cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
For the streusel topping, use your fingers to rub the sugar, flour, and cubed cold butter together until crumbly.
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 16–18 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Use your fingers or the bottom of a small glass to gently flatten the center of each ball, creating a shallow well for the filling.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of your chosen filling (cheese or fruit) into the center of each bun.
Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each kolach.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool slightly before serving.

To freeze: Let kolaches cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in freezer-safe bags. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven or toaster oven until warmed through.

Servings and timing

Servings: 18 kolaches
Prep time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per kolach

Variations

Nut Filling: Use walnut or almond paste for a nutty variation.
Savory Version: Fill with soft cheese and herbs or sauteed mushrooms for a savory twist.
Spiced Cheese: Add cinnamon or lemon zest to the cheese filling for added flavor.
Jam Mix: Combine fruit jams (e.g., apricot + raspberry) for unique pairings.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Adjust moisture if needed.
Mini Kolaches: Make smaller buns for bite-sized treats—great for parties or platters.
Chocolate-Filled: Add a dollop of chocolate spread or hazelnut filling for a modern take.
Drizzle Finish: After baking, add a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Crumb-Heavy Topping: Double the streusel ingredients for extra crunch.
Seasonal Touch: Use spiced pear, fig jam, or apple butter for autumn flavors.

storage/reheating

To store: Keep kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Once cooled, wrap kolaches individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in a toaster oven until heated through.

FAQs

What are kolaches?

Kolaches are soft, yeasted pastries of Czech origin, traditionally filled with fruit preserves, sweet cheese, or poppy seed, and topped with streusel.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and filling.

Can I use store-bought jam?

Absolutely. Choose high-quality, thick preserves to avoid runny fillings.

Why is my dough not rising?

Ensure your yeast is active and the milk is warm (not hot). Rising time may be longer in cooler environments.

Do kolaches have to be filled with cheese or jam?

No—while traditional fillings include cheese, fruit, or poppy seed, you can experiment with nut butters, chocolate, or even savory ingredients.

What’s the best flour to use?

All-purpose flour works best for a tender, slightly chewy texture.

Can I skip the streusel topping?

Yes, but the posypka adds traditional texture and sweetness. You could also dust with powdered sugar instead.

Are kolaches the same as danishes?

Not exactly. Kolaches use a soft bread dough rather than laminated pastry dough like danishes.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Don’t overfill the kolaches, and ensure the filling is thick enough to hold its shape during baking.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, but results will vary depending on the flour blend. Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and monitor dough texture.

Conclusion

Homemade Kolaches are a timeless treat that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With a soft, enriched dough and a medley of flavorful fillings, they’re as versatile as they are satisfying. Whether you’re preparing them for brunch, holidays, or as a sweet snack to freeze for later, these Czech pastries offer a little bite of heritage and a whole lot of joy.