Apricot Kolache
Apricot Kolache Recipe: A Delicious Czech Pastry
If you're looking for a sweet and fruity pastry to satisfy your cravings, then you must try the Apricot Kolache. This traditional Czech pastry is a perfect combination of soft and fluffy dough, sweet apricot filling, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make this delicious pastry from scratch.
Ingredients (for 12 servings):
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apricot jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to use warm milk to activate the yeast. If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast, and if it's too cold, the yeast won't activate.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for at least an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Use a pastry brush to spread the apricot jam evenly on top of the dough.
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add the softened butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
8. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
9. Cut the dough into 12 equal squares.
10. Place a spoonful of apricot jam in the center of each square.
11. Fold the corners of the dough over the jam, pinching the edges together to seal.
12. Place the kolaches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
13. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
14. Let the kolaches cool for a few minutes before dusting them with powdered sugar.
Appearance and Taste:
The Apricot Kolache is a beautiful pastry with a golden brown crust and a sweet apricot filling peeking through the folds of the dough. The powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance to the pastry. When you take a bite, you'll be greeted with a soft and fluffy dough that melts in your mouth, followed by the sweet and tangy apricot filling. The Apricot Kolache is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Type of Dish: Sweet Pastry
Main Ingredients: Flour, Apricot Jam, Butter
