Sweet Czech Kolaches

Warm the milk in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds until lukewarm. The target temperature is 110 F. Once it’s at precisely 110 F, add the yeast, 1 tablespoon of the sugar and ⅓ cup of the flour. Mix together well then set the bowl aside and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

In another bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. I did this in the microwave, heating for 30 seconds at a time. When it’s done, ensure it’s not too hot (if it is, let it cool for a few minutes) and then stir in the egg yolk. Add this to the risen dough and mix well. Add the remaining ⅔ cup of flour and mix well.

Put the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 10 minutes. Just smear it away from you with the heel of your hand, then fold it back onto itself, and do this for about 10 minutes. Lightly flour the board and your hands as you go. At the end of 10 minutes, the dough will be supple.

Grease a bowl with cooking spray and add the dough into the bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. At the end of this rise, you may cover it and put it in the fridge to use the following day. It will deflate, but it’s okay.

Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and have it ready. Divide the dough into 6 balls and roll them into round balls. Flatten them slightly to have a square shape.

Place the dough balls about 1″ apart on a greased cookie sheet and let them rise in a warm place while you make the filling.

In a medium sized bowl combine the remaining tablespoon of sugar with the softened cream cheese. Beat together well.

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Using your knuckles, gently make an indentation in the center of each dough ball to hold the filling. Brush each kolache with the remaining melted butter. Place a heaping scoop of cream cheese filling in each indentation, and top each with a teaspoon of jam.

Bake for 14-16 minutes until the sides are lightly brown. Then remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then serve warm.