Cedar Rapids Kolaches
Soft, slightly sweet yeast buns with a depression in the center filled with fruit preserves or sweetened cheese, a legacy of Cedar Rapids' Czech community.
- Prep
- 45 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 65 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 210 kcal
Equipment
- •Baking sheet
- •Rolling pin
- •Stand mixer
Nutrition
Per serving, approximate
- Calories
- 210 kcal
- fat
- 7
- carbs
- 32
- protein
- 5
- calories
- 210
Instructions
- 1
Stir the yeast and a pinch of sugar into warm milk. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Mix the flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a stand mixer. Add the yeast mixture, egg yolks, and softened butter.
- 3
Knead on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes. Stop when the dough feels smooth and slightly sticky.
- 4
Cover the bowl and set it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- 5
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal balls. Place them on a parchment-lined sheet pan and flatten slightly.
- 6
Cover the dough balls. Let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- 7
Press a deep hollow into the center of each bun using your fingers or the back of a spoon.
- 8
Fill each hollow with a spoonful of fruit preserves or sweetened farmer's cheese. Sprinkle with streusel if using.
- 9
Bake at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes. Remove them when the edges turn golden.
- 10
Cool the buns on a wire rack before serving.
Chef's tips
Press the center firmly so the filling stays inside as the dough puffs up in the oven. Brush the warm edges with melted butter for extra shine and flavor.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating
Warm briefly in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to soften.
Common mistakes to avoid
- •Making the center hollow too shallow, which causes the filling to spill over.
- •Letting the dough rise too long, which causes the buns to deflate and collapse.
Serving suggestions
Cooked Cedar Rapids Kolaches?
Sign in to save this recipe to a collection. Bookmarking works without an account — it stays on this device.
Sign in for collectionsSimilar recipes
Dishes with the same spirit, spice level and course.
More from Iowa
Cooking that shares the same kitchen and pantry.
Recipes using similar ingredients
Use what you already bought for this recipe.
