Description
Delight in these homemade Blueberry and Cream Cheese Kolaches featuring a soft, buttery dough filled with creamy sweetened cream cheese and tangy blueberry filling, topped with a crumbly cinnamon streusel. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup (70 grams) + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups (500 grams) all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, very soft
- 1 large egg
Blueberry Filling
- 1 cup (150 grams) blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces (230 grams) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumble Topping (Posypka)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons (25 grams) all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Stir 1 tablespoon of sugar into the warm milk in a small bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes or until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add 1/3 cup (70 grams) sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix briefly to combine.
- Combine Dough Ingredients: Add the softened butter, one large egg, and the milk-yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed. Once the dough comes together, continue mixing for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover and set aside in a warm space for about 90 minutes or until the dough doubles in size.
- Prepare Blueberry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, orange juice, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring and mashing occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Make Crumble Topping: Combine melted butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix together until crumbly. Set aside.
- Shape the Kolaches: Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface to approximately ½ inch (1.5 cm) thickness. Cut out circles about 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter using a cookie cutter or glass. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving several inches between each.
- Second Rise: Lightly cover the kolaches with a damp towel and let them sit for 45 minutes or until almost doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Indent Dough: Make a large indent in the center of each kolache using the back of a measuring cup or glass, ensuring the rim is thin for filling.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg with water. Brush the tops of each kolache with this egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
- Fill Kolaches: Spoon a portion of the cream cheese filling into the indent, followed by a spoonful of the cooled blueberry filling. Optionally, sprinkle the crumble topping over the filling.
- Bake: Bake the kolaches for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Transfer the baked kolaches to a wire rack and allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries for the filling; if using frozen, thaw first for best results.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For a shinier crust, apply the egg wash evenly.
- The crumble (posypka) topping is optional but adds a pleasant texture and flavor contrast.
- Dough rises may vary depending on room temperature; a warmer area speeds proofing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Central European