Icebox Kolaches
Icebox Kolaches are soft, flavorful pastries with a tender yeast dough, perfect for breakfast or snacks. Filled with sweet or savory options, they suit all occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast with part of the potato water.
- Add sugar, salt, and egg yolks; mix well.
- Add milk and Wesson oil, mixing after each addition.
- Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough.
- Place the dough in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready, take the dough out and roll into small ball-sized portions.
- Let the dough balls rise for 20 minutes.
- Brush the tops with oleo (margarine or butter).
- Add your favorite filling to each portion.
- Bake at 375°F until they are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and brush with oleo before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your mashed potatoes are lump-free and at room temperature before adding them to the dough. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast (use about half the amount). Experiment with different fillings like fruit preserves or cream cheese for variety. For a sweet twist, consider using fillings from American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful kolaches warm, ideally fresh from the oven, as a breakfast treat or snack. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a light salad or a bowl of Baked Broccoli With Cheese. They also make a great addition to potlucks or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cooled kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, microwave each kolache for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Icebox Kolaches contains roughly 303 calories, with 9g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 606mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the kolaches after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the baked kolaches! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven before serving.
What types of fillings work best for kolaches?
Traditional fillings include fruit preserves like apricot or poppy seed, but you can get creative! Cream cheese, nut mixtures, or even savory fillings like sausage work well. For a sweet option, try a filling inspired by Maple Sweetheart Pie for a unique twist.
How do I ensure my kolaches rise properly?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and active; it should foam when dissolved in warm water. Additionally, allow the dough to rise in a warm area, free from drafts. If your kitchen is cool, consider preheating your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).