Cranberry Walnut Kolache

Cranberry Walnut Kolache Recipe: A Delicious Pastry Treat
Looking for a sweet and savory pastry treat that's perfect for breakfast or dessert? Look no further than the Cranberry Walnut Kolache! This delicious pastry is a traditional Czech recipe that's been enjoyed for generations, and it's easy to see why. With a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet, tangy filling of cranberries and walnuts, this pastry is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients (per serving):

- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Cooking Tips:

- Make sure your butter is softened before mixing it with the flour. This will help create a flaky, tender crust.
- Don't overwork the dough. Mix it just until it comes together, then let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour before rolling it out.
- Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut the dough into squares. This will help create clean edges and prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with egg wash before baking. This will give them a beautiful golden brown color.

Cooking Process:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it briefly. Form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the cranberries and walnuts.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut it into squares.
7. Place a spoonful of the cranberry-walnut mixture in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the dough up and over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal.
8. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with egg wash.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
10. Let the pastries cool for a few minutes, then dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Appearance and Taste:
The Cranberry Walnut Kolache is a beautiful pastry with a golden brown crust and a sweet, tangy filling. The flaky, buttery crust pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, making for a delicious and satisfying treat. This pastry is perfect for breakfast or dessert, and is sure to impress your friends and family.
Type of Dish: Sweet Pastry
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Walnuts, Flour