A few weeks ago I shared a post with you about the cookies and punch we had after the church ceremony for our daughter’s wedding before the “real” reception took place. One of the cookies that my cousin, Traciene, made were Kolache Cookies. This is an old family recipe that we have been enjoying at family gatherings for years. I was so happy that Traciene made these cookies! They looked so pretty on the table and everyone loved them!

Kolache is a type of pastry yeast dough that is filled with fruit or walnuts. The dough is then rolled up into long log shapes, baked and then sliced into spirals. Originating in Central Europe as a semisweet wedding dessert, over the years these cookies have become popular in United States. The name originates from the Old Slavonic word “kolo” meaning “circle” or “wheel.” From the photo below, you can see how they got their name for the circle shaped cookies.

You can read more about the cookies and punch reception HERE.

Kolache Cookies

A delicious cookie that has been a family favorite for year!

Ingredients

2 sticks butter
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup milk - heated just to boiling point
3 eggs
1/2 t. salt
5 cups flour
1 package dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup warm water

Filling

2 cups walnuts
1 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon butter

Instructions

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup warm water and 1 teaspoon sugar; set aside.
Mix half the flour (2 1/2 cups) in the butter and milk in a mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, beat eggs and add to the flour, butter and milk.
Add the yeast.
Combine all the ingredients together.
The mixture will be like a heavy batter.
Let stand overnight in the refrigerator.
Divide the dough into 7 balls.
On a very well-floured surface, roll each piece out into a rectangle.
Spread the filling to within about an inch of the edges.
With the long side in front of you, roll up tightly and pinch the seams shut.
Place on baking sheets that are lined with parchment paper and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
Repeat with all the pieces of dough.
Let rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Poke each loaf with a fork in 4 evenly spaced places before baking.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes and remove from the oven and brush each loaf with an egg wash. Return to oven and continue to bake another 10 minutes or until the tops are browned.
Let cool before slicing.