Homemade Kolaches (Soft & Sweet Jam-Filled Pastries)

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Learn how to make soft and buttery Czech kolaches filled with your favorite homemade jam and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. An easy homemade pastry recipe perfect for breakfast or brunch.

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I love a good pastry, especially when it is soft, buttery, and filled with sweet fruit jam. These homemade kolaches are one of those timeless recipes that feel extra special while still being simple enough to make at home.

This traditional kolache recipe uses a soft yeast dough that is lightly sweetened and enriched with butter, milk, Greek yogurt, and egg for an incredibly tender texture. Each pastry is filled with your favorite jam and finished with a simple vanilla glaze for the perfect homemade treat.

These jam-filled pastries are wonderful for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or a cozy afternoon coffee break. I especially love making these with my homemade peach cinnamon jam, strawberry jam, or cherry jam for a truly from-scratch recipe.

If you have never made homemade kolaches before, don’t worry. This easy kolache recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together easily with simple pantry ingredients.

What Are Kolaches?

Kolaches are traditional Czech pastries made from a soft yeast dough and filled with fruit, cream cheese, or poppy seed fillings. They are especially popular throughout parts of the Midwest and Texas where Czech communities helped preserve these delicious pastries through generations.

Traditional kolaches are known for their soft texture and signature indentation in the center that holds the filling. This homemade version keeps things simple with fruit jam fillings and a sweet vanilla glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Kolache Recipe

Soft and Tender Dough

The combination of butter, milk, Greek yogurt, and egg creates an incredibly soft and fluffy pastry.

Easy to Make

This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps that are perfect for beginner bakers.

Perfect for Homemade Jam

These kolaches are a wonderful way to use homemade jams and preserves.

Great for Breakfast or Brunch

Serve these alongside coffee, eggs, and fresh fruit for a beautiful homemade breakfast spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

• 1/2 Tbsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 Tbsp softened butter
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling

• Peach cinnamon jam
• Strawberry jam
• Cherry jam
• Or your favorite thick fruit preserves

For the Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp whole milk

How to Make Kolaches

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In the bowl of a stand mixer, (or a separate small bowl) combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the softened butter, sugar, salt, milk, Greek yogurt, egg, and flour to the yeast mixture.

Using the dough hook attachment, mix until a soft sticky dough forms (5-8 minutes). Kolache dough is naturally sticky, so resist the urge to add too much extra flour.

You can also mix and knead the dough by hand if preferred.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

Transfer the dough to a generously floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

Using a 2 1/4-inch round cutter, cut circles from the dough and place them onto a prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the baking sheet with a wet towel and allow the pastries to rise for about 1 hour, or until puffy.

Step 5: Add the Jam Filling

Using the back of a tablespoon that has been buttered and lightly floured, gently press an indentation into the center of each pastry.

Fill each indentation with about 1 tablespoon of your favorite jam.

Step 6: Bake the Kolaches

Bake the kolaches at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Glaze the Pastries

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled kolaches before serving.

Tips for the Best Homemade Kolaches

Don’t Over Flour the Dough

This dough should remain slightly sticky for the softest texture.

Use Thick Jam

Thicker jams and preserves work best because they stay nicely centered while baking.

Flour the Spoon

Butter and flour the spoon before making the indentation to prevent sticking.

Let Them Cool Before Glazing

Allowing the pastries to cool slightly helps the glaze set beautifully on top.

Flavor Variations

One of the best things about homemade kolaches is how versatile they are. Here are a few other delicious filling ideas:

• Cream cheese filling
• Raspberry jam
• Blueberry preserves
• Apricot jam
• Blackberry jam
• Lemon curd

Storage Tips

Store leftover kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

These homemade kolaches are delicious:

• Warm with coffee or tea
• As part of a brunch spread
• For holiday breakfasts
• Alongside fresh fruit and eggs
• As an afternoon snack

More From-Scratch Recipes You’ll Love

If you love homemade baked goods made with real ingredients, here are a few more recipes to try:

• Sourdough Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
• Homemade Pop Tarts
• Sourdough Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
• Homemade Biscuits
• Cranberry Orange Scones

Where Real Ingredients Meet Everyday Cooking.