Cover the kolaches and let them rest again for an hour or two. They should rise enough that they’re mostly touching each other in the pan and should look puffy. The final wait is just for a quick 30 minute bake. After that, you’ll have sweet fluffy dough with a silky cream cheese center. They’re irresistible for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack!
For the dough:
1/4 cup warm water
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), melted, plus more for brushing dough
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter
Preparation
In a small bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of the sugar. Let rest for 5 minutes. Yeast should be bubbly. If not, your yeast might be too old.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, milk, melted butter, and egg yolk. Add the yeast mixture and whisk to combine.
Add the flour 1 cup at a time, stirring in between each addition until a sticky dough starts to form.
Dust a countertop or work surface generously with flour, then turn dough out and knead dough for 10 minutes. It will be sticky.
Grease a clean bowl, then place dough in it, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
Punch dough down to de-gas, then roll it into a log and cut it into 12 equal slices. Roll into balls, then place into a greased 9x13-inch pan. Brush the tops with melted butter, then cover and let rise 30 minutes.
While dough rises, make the filling:
In a clean bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla.
Make a well in the center of each dough ball by pressing a 1/4 cup measuring cup dusted with flour into the center. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the filling into each well. Brush sides with melted butter.
To make the topping, stir together flour, sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle a teaspoon or two over each kolache.
Cover and let rise 1-2 hours more.
Preheat oven to 350°F, then bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 1 hour before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
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