Overnight Dough Kolaches
Overnight dough kolaches are soft, sweet pastries filled with fruit or filling of choice, perfect for breakfast or brunch and enjoyed by family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm water with 1 tablespoon sugar and let it dissolve.
- Scald the milk, then add the beaten egg yolks and let the mixture cool.
- Add the yeast mixture and flour to the cooled milk and egg mixture to form the dough. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into squares, fill with your choice of filling or fruit, then pinch opposite corners to form a pocket.
- Bake until golden and done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with about 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let it bloom in the lukewarm water before adding it to the mixture. Make sure to roll the dough evenly for consistent baking results. If you prefer, you can also infuse the dough with additional spices like cinnamon or cardamom.
Serving Suggestions
Kolaches are delightful served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or the 7 Layer Salad (Make The Night Before) for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the dough remains soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Dough Kolaches contains roughly 187 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 13g fat.
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 use different fillings for the kolaches?
Absolutely! Kolaches are versatile and can be filled with a variety of options. Popular choices include fruit preserves, sweetened cream cheese, or even savory fillings like sausage or cheese. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors, and remember to adjust the sweetness of the dough if using sweeter fillings.
How do I know when the kolaches are done baking?
The kolaches are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Baking times can vary, so it’s best to start checking around the 15-minute mark, especially if you’re making smaller or larger pieces. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made in advance and refrigerated overnight, just as the recipe suggests. This allows the flavors to develop. If you want to prepare it even earlier, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out and shaping your kolaches.
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).