If you’ve never tried Texas-style kolaches, you’re in for a real treat. These pillowy-soft pastries are filled with a rich, sweet cream cheese center and topped with a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, they melt in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
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, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy and bubbly. If it doesn’t activate, the yeast may be too old.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, melted butter, and egg yolk. Add the yeast mixture and mix well.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until a soft, sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Knead & First Rise
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth (it will still be slightly sticky).
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Kolaches
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
Brush the tops with melted butter, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Fill the Dough
Press a small well into the center of each dough ball (using a floured measuring cup works great).
Add about 1 tablespoon of filling into each center. Brush the edges with melted butter.
Step 7: Make the Topping
Mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in the butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over each kolache.
Step 8: Final Rise
Cover and let the kolaches rise again for 1 to 2 hours, until puffy.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 10: Cool & Serve
Let the kolaches cool for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips for Perfect Kolaches
- Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Don’t skip the second rise—it gives that soft, bakery-style texture.
- You can add fruit preserves on top of the cream cheese for extra flavor.
These Texas Cream Cheese Kolaches are soft, buttery, and filled with sweet goodness—once you try them, they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen!