Cream Cheese Kolache Recipe (2024)

Published: Last Updated: by Marye 1199 words. | About 6 minutes to read this article.

This is the BEST recipe for kolaches ever! Cream cheese kolache are a tradition here in Texas! Lighter than air! Puffy pillows of a buttery, slightly sweet dough are filled with a tangy cream cheese filling and topped with cinnamon crumbles.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Jump to Recipe

Cream cheese kolache are puffy, soft pillows of buttery dough filled with a pool of rich, creamy cheesecake, then topped with sweet crumbles of streusel. If you've ever had one you probably have an addiction. They're easy to make at home with this vintage recipe.

Cream Cheese Kolache Recipe (1)
Table of Contents
  • Ingredients
  • 💭 Tips for success
  • FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 🥄 Equipment
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Ingredients

These are SO good - definitely one of my favorite holiday treats!

  • Yeast can be active dry yeast or rapid rise - they both work well.
  • Ground ginger helps to wake the yeast up and get it going.
  • Sugar is necessary for sweetness as well as giving the yeast colonies something to feed on.
  • All-purpose flour is fine for this recipe. You don't need bread flour.
  • Kosher salt is what I normally use. If you use regular table salt you'll need about ⅓ as much.
  • Instant potato flakes help the dough rise high and stay soft.
  • Eggs add richness.
  • Cream cheese is the most decadent filling - be sure to use regular and not low fat. Low fat or reduced fat will not work.
  • Cinnamon adds flavor.

💭 Tips for success

If you've tried my fruit kolaches and my sausage kolaches you know that I found the perfect kolache dough recipe in an old OLD cookbook with handwritten notes.

The trick is to whip the dough at the end of the kneading time for about a minute AND to bake these in a hot oven - around 425F. You'll have the lightest, fluffiest, billowiest, most beautiful homemade kolaches in the universe.

You know... for when you get tired of sweet rolls and waffles!

  • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature unless otherwise directed in the recipe.
  • Use an insta-read thermometer to ensure your liquids aren’t too hot or too cold.
  • You can let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator if you want to.
  • Using too much flour or overworking the dough will make them tough.
  • Homemade kolache are best eaten the same day they are made or frozen.

FAQs

Here are the questions I am most frequently asked about this recipe.

What is a Texas kolache?

It's a soft, fluffy sweet roll with some sort of filling that can be either sweet or savory. Fruit, cream cheese, sausage...
Kolache originated in Eastern Europe and came to Texas with the Czech immigrants.

Can you freeze them?

Yes, they freeze well baked or unbaked for up to 3 months

What is the difference between a Danish and a kolache?

Danish are light and flaky. Kolache are more bready... like a cinnamon roll - sort of.

Is it a Texas thing?

Only as far as it came to Texas with Czech immigrants. Since Texas has a large Czech population kolache is popular as well.

Here are more of my favorite homemade sweet rolls -

  • Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crowns are sweet, rich rolls with a creamy cheese filling. They are easy because they rise overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Peanut Butter Sweet Rolls (Whirlamajigs) are filled with a layer of peanut butter cookie with a peanut butter glaze on top. A nice change for cinnamon rolls!
  • Gingerbread Donuts are spicy sweet and perfect on a crisp, autumn day. Bake or fry.

🥄 Equipment

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Thanks so much for being a part of Restless Chipotle!

I buy a large amount of yeast at a time. A one pound bag is almost the same price as the small jar in the store! Parchment paper keeps the bottoms from burning, keeps the homemade kolache from sticking, and helps give the crust the texture that is a sign of a good cream cheese kolache.

Looking for something as yummy as these but quicker and easier? I've got you! Check out these 20 minute cheese danish!

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it a 5 star rating.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

4.42 from 112 votes

Cream Cheese Kolache

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This is the BEST recipe for kolaches ever! Cream cheese kolache are a tradition here in Texas! Lighter than air! Puffy pillows of a buttery, slightly sweet dough are filled with a tangy cream cheese filling and topped with cinnamon crumbles.

Course Breakfast Bread

Cuisine European,Texan

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes

Servings:12

Calories:227

Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

Kolache Dough

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast, or 1 packet
  • Pinch of ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ cup warm milk, 110F
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
  • 2 ½ cups to 3 ½ all purpose flour, about 3 if using a bread machine
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons instant potato flakes, unflavored
  • 1 large egg, room temperature

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

Crumb Topping

  • cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Kolache Dough

  • Add the yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ginger to the ¼ cup milk and set aside.

  • Put the ½ cup milk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until the butter melts.

  • Let cool to 110F.

  • It should feel comfortably warm to when you drop a few drops on your wrist.

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment combine 2 cups of the flour with the salt, sugar, and potato flakes.

  • Add the yeast mixture and the cooled milk mixture and stir until blended.

  • Add the egg and blend it in.

  • Add another ⅓ cup of flour. The dough will be sticky.

  • Switch to the dough hook.

  • Add flour a tablespoon or two at a time until the dough doesn’t stick to the sides of the bowl.

  • Knead until dough is smooth and elastic. It should be easy to handle at this point.

  • Knead on high for about 30 seconds to a minute.

  • Remove from the mixer bowl and form into a ball.

  • Rub the ball with melted butter then place it in a greased bowl.

  • Turn the ball over once.

  • Cover the bowl loosely with a clean tea towel.

  • Let it rise for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.

  • Punch down.

  • Divide the dough into 12 pieces about the size of an egg.

  • Roll into balls and arrange them 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

  • Brush with butter, cover loosely with tea towels or plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour.

  • Make indentations in the buns and fill with cheese mixture.

  • Sprinkle with crumb mixture.

  • Bake at 425F for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Watch carefully.

Cream Cheese Filling

  • Beat together cream cheese with sugar until smooth.

  • Add the egg yolk and vanilla.

  • Beat until completely incorporated.

Crumb Topping

  • Combine sugar with flour and cinnamon.

  • Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms crumbs.

Notes

  • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature unless otherwise directed in the recipe.
  • Use an insta-read thermometer to ensure your liquids aren’t too hot or too cold.
  • You can let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator if you want to.
  • Using too much flour or overworking the dough will make them tough.
  • Homemade kolache are best eaten the same day they are made or frozen.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.

You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 23.5g | Protein: 4.1g | Fat: 13.4g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 303.9mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 16.4g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 0.7mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More Homemade Yeast Rolls

  • How to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls
  • Texas-Size Cinnamon Rolls
  • Sour Cream Cinnamon Rolls
  • Crescent Roll Cream Cheese Danish

About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them. She's been around the culinary block more than once, turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering masterpieces. With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of wit, she makes cooking feel like a piece of cake (which she can also teach you to bake perfectly). When she's not conjuring up delicious dishes, you might find her sharing laughs with her family, reading by the fire, or scribbling down her next big recipe idea. Marye believes that a good meal and a hearty laugh are the best parts of life. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Laurie

    Cream Cheese Kolache Recipe (7)
    My friend recently shared delicious kolaches she brought back from West, TX. I was inspired to bake a batch. Found your recipe and they turned out really well. I added apple filling to half of them. Yum.
    Thanks for sharing this recipe, Marye.

    Reply

    • Marye

      So glad you liked them!

      Reply

  2. Rosalia Q. Figueroa

    Cream Cheese Kolache Recipe (8)
    I tried this recipe, and it was perfect, but I have questions I want to ask; how can I reach you?

    Reply

    • Marye

      The email address is on on the about page.

      Reply

  3. Barbara Auten

    Cream Cheese Kolache Recipe (9)
    Oh my word child 💓 I finally located a Texas gal that can cook real Texas food yehaaaw I am so enjoying your recipes I live in Central Texas (Lil ole town name Whitney I am 80 yrs young and seem to have lost most of my own family recipes due to 26 wonderful years of military life with my hubby and 2 younguns now long retired, kiddos gone ,married and we are now great grand parents of 4 Texas breed awesome sweethearts who love Granny's downhome Texas cooking they have been learning from me for the oldest 24 yrs old, 15, 10 and 7 true Texas younguns lol! Thank you for your downhome Texas style recipes I'm always checking in for more for my collection! My grand babies have asked I make them each a book printed with all mine that I can remember and your delicious recipes I can't wait to get started LMBO. Again thank you sweetheart 💕😘. Granny B

    Reply

    • Marye

      Aww you made my day... I'm not too far north of you on I35. 🙂

      Reply

  4. Nadine

    First of all, thank you for your service to our country.
    I’m not a new baker by any stretch of the imagination, I’ve only been making kolachi a couple of months. I will make your recipe next time. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

  5. Kristinna Kristinek Brown

    A kolache does not have meat, only fruit or cheese… breads is klobasniky or klobasnek

    Reply

    • Kristinna Kristinek Brown

      I meant meat in bread is klobasnek… or a pig in a blanket. Kolaches do not have meat

      Reply

      • Marye

        I know - however this is what they are called here.

  6. Lilyn

    Hi Marye
    I would like to make this Cream Cheese Kolache. Do you have in grams / ml?
    🌷

    Reply

    • Marye

      No I'm sorry - I don't measure that way.

      Reply

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Cream Cheese Kolache Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long can cream cheese kolaches sit out? ›

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that any foods made with cream cheese, including cream cheese frosting, need to be refrigerated within two hours. This includes baked goods made with cream cheese, such as pound cakes and cream cheese cookies.

What is kolache dough made of? ›

For the dough

Whisk flour, yeast, and salt together in bowl of stand mixer. Whisk milk, melted butter, sugar, egg, and egg yolks in a 4-cup measuring cup until sugar has dissolved.

Do kolaches need to be refrigerated? ›

Kolaches are best kept at room temperature in a sealed container. They can dry out quickly, so keep them in an air tight container until right before serving. Storing your kolaches in the refrigerator may extend their shelf life.

Is it safe to leave cream cheese out overnight to soften? ›

What Happens To Cream Cheese That Has Been Left Out? Cream cheese that has been left out for too long can be dangerous, and you run the risk of food poisoning. “While it will soften, it is not safe past the two hour mark,” Edwards says.

Can cream cheese sit out for 3 hours? ›

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends all foods that should generally be refrigerated spend no more than two hours out of refrigeration before you use them, and that includes cream cheese.

How can I thicken my cream cheese filling? ›

Mix 1 tablespoon (25 grams) of cornstarch into the frosting. If it is still too runny, add a little more. Continue to add cornstarch until you are happy with the texture. Avoid adding more than 1/2 cup (62.5 grams) of cornstarch per 8 oz (226 grams) of cream cheese.

Is cream cheese good for you? ›

Cream cheese is a versatile dairy spread. It's a good source of vitamin A and doesn't provide much lactose. However, it's low in protein and high in fat and calories, so it's best to use it in moderation. Notably, versions like whipped cream cheese are lower in fat and calories.

What is the red stuff in cream cheese? ›

Microbial action: Cream cheese production involves the addition of lactic acid bacteria, which can react with other components of the cheese and cause it to turn pink. If this is the case, the cheese can still be safely consumed.

What is a real kolache? ›

Kolaches are Czech pastries made of a yeast dough and usually filled with fruit, but sometimes cheese.

What does kolache mean in english? ›

kolache (plural kolaches) A pastry consisting of a filling (typically fruit or cheese) inside a bread roll, popular in the United States.

What is a Texas kolache called? ›

Klobasneks are much more commonly known as kolaches in Texas, but should not be confused with traditional Czech kolaches, which are also popular and are known by the same name. Klobasneks are similar in style to sausage rolls, but the meat is wrapped in kolache dough.

Are kolaches healthier than donuts? ›

Smith said one kolache only contains between 100 and 250 calories, depending on the size and filling. Compared to a plain doughnut, which ranges between 160 and 300 calories before any filling or icing is added, it definitely makes more of a mark in the healthy arena.

What is a kolache with meat called? ›

One may also find a meat (particularly sausage) option in the bakery case, but mercy on your soul if you call it a kolache. It's generally accepted that any meat-filled pastry of this family is in fact a klobasnek.

Are kolaches just a Texas thing? ›

Though savory “kolaches” are certainly not traditional Czech kolaches, they're very Texan. Houston's restaurants have also seemingly bowed out of the discussion, taken sides, or chosen to go with what has become a Texas cultural norm. Kolache Shoppe, for example, separates its pastry menu simply by sweet and savory.

How long can kolaches sit out for? ›

If kept at room temperature, kolaches should be eaten within 24 hours. Kolaches may be kept frozen and well wrapped for up to 3 weeks.

How long can food with cream cheese sit out? ›

Cream cheese should not be left out longer than two hours at room temp (or higher than 40 degrees F) because it then becomes a playground for nasty bacteria like salmonella. No one wants a trip to the emergency room over the carrot cake. If it's been out for longer than two hours, toss it—better safe than sorry.

Can cream cheese cookies be left out? ›

Do they need to be refrigerated? This type of cookie can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for two days. Things with lots of cream cheese like cheesecakes and baked goods with cream cheese frosting should definitely be refrigerated.

How long does cream cheese need to sit out to get to room temperature? ›

In some recipes, specific ingredients, like cream cheese, must be at room temperature before you can use them. Even if you know this already (which you probably do if you like to bake), that doesn't mean you will remember to take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator so it has time to soften up—ideally for an hour.

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