Kolaches — from the Czech and Slovak words that mean “cake/pie” — are fruit-filled pastries that are a staple in many Eastern European countries. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Taste the love in this homemade, heart-shaped version of flaky, buttery pastry filled with a sweet fruit preserve.
Makes 28-30 kolache
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 lb. butter (2 sticks), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 6 tablespoons raspberry or strawberry preserve
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Add the flour and butter to a large bowl. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles pea-sized bits.
- Stir in the sour cream. Mix until thoroughly combined. If the dough is a little dry or crumbly, add 1 more tablespoon of sour cream. With floured hands, bring the dough together to form a ball, then fold it in half and press the dough down. Repeat 2 or 3 times. Do not overwork the dough.
- Divide the dough in half. Lightly flour the work surface and rolling pin. Using a gentle-medium force, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thick, starting from the center and working out in all directions.
- Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut the dough into heart shapes and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each heart. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of preserves in the center. Repeat with remaining half of the dough.
- Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes untilthe kolaches are lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack. Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.
Tip:
- Make Ahead: After making the dough, wrap it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or a couple of hours.
- To prevent the filling from leaking during backing, use a thick preserve, jam or pie filling that holds its form. This will minimize any spreading or leaking.