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Texas Cream Cheese Kolaches Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 111 reviews
  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 kolaches 1x

Description

Texas Cream Cheese Kolaches are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet pastries filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping. These delicious kolaches are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a comforting baked treat. The dough is enriched and tender thanks to milk, butter, and eggs, while the filling provides a creamy contrast. Baked to a golden perfection, these kolaches will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), melted, plus more for brushing dough
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it rest for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes bubbly to ensure it is active.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, whole milk, melted butter, and egg yolk. Add the yeast mixture and whisk to combine thoroughly.
  3. Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Knead Dough: Dust a clean countertop with flour, turn the dough out onto it, and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is sticky but elastic.
  5. First Rise: Grease a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  6. Shape Dough Balls: Punch down the dough to release air, then roll it into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices, roll each into a ball, and place them in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Brush the tops with melted butter, cover, and let them rise for 30 minutes.
  7. Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
  8. Fill Kolaches: Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup dusted with flour, make a well in the center of each dough ball. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into each well, then brush the sides with melted butter.
  9. Make Topping: Combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle a teaspoon or two of this crumb topping over each filled kolache.
  10. Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the kolaches rise for 1 to 2 hours, allowing them to puff up again before baking.
  11. Preheat Oven & Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the kolaches in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
  12. Cool and Serve: Remove the kolaches from the oven and allow them to cool for 1 hour before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delightful Texas Cream Cheese Kolaches!

Notes

  • If your yeast does not bubble during activation, it may be old; use fresh yeast for best results.
  • Be generous with flour when kneading and shaping dough to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much flour to keep the dough tender.
  • Allowing the kolaches to rise twice ensures a soft, fluffy texture.
  • Brush the dough sides with melted butter before adding filling to help keep moisture and flavor inside.
  • The crumb topping adds a nice texture and cinnamon aroma, but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Store leftover kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Texan, American

Keywords: Texas kolaches, cream cheese kolaches, sweet kolaches, bakery-style kolaches, cinnamon crumb topping, breakfast pastries, soft dough recipes

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Find it online: https://flavorsbyhugo.com/texas-cream-cheese-kolaches-recipe/