The holiday season is a time of cherished traditions, from decorating the Christmas tree to baking family recipes passed down through generations. Among these traditions, particularly in Czech and Central European communities, the kolache stands out as a delicious and symbolic holiday treat. These sweet, pillowy pastries, often filled with fruit preserves, poppy seeds, or cream cheese, bring warmth and nostalgia to Christmas celebrations. But what exactly is the history behind these beloved pastries, and how did they become a holiday staple?
The Origins of Kolaches
Kolaches (pronounced koh-lah-chee) originated in Central Europe, specifically in the Czech Republic, where they have been a part of culinary traditions for centuries. The word koláč (singular for kolaches) derives from the Old Slavonic word kolo, meaning “circle” or “wheel,” reflecting the pastry’s round shape.
Historically, kolaches were served at special occasions such as weddings, harvest festivals, and religious holidays. In rural Czech villages, they symbolized prosperity and celebration, often baked with the finest ingredients available. Traditionally, they were made with a yeasted dough and filled with locally available ingredients like plums, apricots, or poppy seeds. Over time, the recipe evolved to include variations with cheese and other sweet fillings.
Kolaches in America
The kolache made its way to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with Czech immigrants, many of whom settled in Texas, Nebraska, and other Midwestern states. These communities brought with them their rich culinary traditions, including the kolache.
In Texas, in particular, kolaches became widely popular and even took on new forms. Bakeries in Czech-American towns such as West, Texas, and La Grange began to experiment with savory fillings like sausage and jalapeño, creating what many refer to as a “Texas kolache.” While delicious, these variations are technically klobasníky, a different type of pastry that originated later.
Kolaches and Christmas Traditions
In Czech culture, Christmas is a time to honor family, faith, and tradition. Kolaches often play a central role in holiday feasts and gatherings, served alongside other seasonal treats such as vánočka (a braided Christmas bread) and medovník (honey cake). Families pass down kolache recipes as heirlooms, and baking sessions become opportunities to bond, share stories, and preserve cultural heritage.
The choice of filling can also carry symbolic meaning during Christmas. Poppy seeds, for example, are associated with abundance and good fortune, while fruit fillings represent the bounty of the harvest and sweetness of life.
Modern Christmas Kolaches
Today, kolaches continue to be a beloved part of Christmas celebrations, not just in Czech communities but among pastry enthusiasts worldwide. Modern bakers have embraced the versatility of kolaches, creating seasonal variations with fillings like cranberry-orange, eggnog cream, or spiced apple-cinnamon to suit the holiday mood.
In addition to traditional recipes, home bakers often add a festive twist to their kolaches by decorating them with powdered sugar “snow,” drizzled icing, or colorful sprinkles. The pastry’s adaptability has helped it remain relevant in contemporary kitchens while staying true to its roots.
A Taste of Heritage and Holiday Cheer
Whether served at a Christmas brunch or gifted to loved ones in a holiday basket, kolaches are more than just a pastry—they’re a connection to the past and a reminder of the enduring power of tradition. As you bite into a soft, sweet kolache this Christmas, take a moment to appreciate its journey from Czech village kitchens to holiday tables around the world.
So why not add kolaches to your holiday baking list this year? With their rich history, delightful flavors, and festive charm, they’re sure to become a cherished part of your Christmas tradition.
Classic Fruit Kolaches Recipe
Kolaches are a versatile and delightful pastry that can be filled with a variety of fruits. This recipe will guide you through making soft, yeasted dough paired with a sweet fruit filling for the perfect holiday treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fruit Filling:
• 1 cup fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, cherry, or your favorite)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
For the Streusel Topping (optional):
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and remaining sugar.
3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
1. In a small saucepan, mix fruit preserves, cornstarch, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping (optional):
1. In a small bowl, mix flour, sugar, and butter with a fork or your fingers until crumbly. Set aside.
4. Shape the Kolaches:
1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12–15 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball.
2. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Flatten each ball slightly and use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to make a deep indentation in the center of each.
5. Fill and Top:
1. Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of the fruit filling into each indentation.
2. Sprinkle streusel topping over the filled kolaches if desired.
6. Final Rise and Egg Wash:
1. Cover the kolaches with a towel and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash.
7. Bake:
1. Bake the kolaches for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve kolaches warm with coffee or tea. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy the festive cheer of homemade fruit kolaches this holiday season!
Cream Cheese Kolaches Recipe
Cream cheese kolaches are a rich and decadent twist on this classic pastry, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or holiday celebrations. Their creamy, slightly tangy filling pairs beautifully with the soft, sweet dough. Follow this step-by-step recipe to bake your own batch of cream cheese kolaches at home.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for tang)
For the Streusel Topping (optional):
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and remaining sugar.
3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping (optional):
1. In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and butter with a fork or your fingers until crumbly. Set aside.
4. Shape the Kolaches:
1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12–15 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball.
2. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Flatten each ball slightly and use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to make a deep well in the center of each.
5. Fill and Top:
1. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into each indentation.
2. Sprinkle streusel topping over the filled kolaches, if desired.
6. Final Rise and Egg Wash:
1. Cover the kolaches with a towel and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash.
7. Bake:
1. Bake the kolaches for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Serving and Storage
Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Cream cheese kolaches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Enjoy the creamy, sweet goodness of these homemade kolaches!
Not Your Grams Kitchen 