Pudding Mix Kolaches: The Ultimate Heirloom Recipe for Incredibly Soft & Fluffy Sweet Buns
Embark on a delightful culinary journey with this cherished heirloom recipe for Pudding Mix Kolaches. These exceptionally soft, wonderfully fluffy sweet buns are a testament to the magic that a simple ingredient, like cook and serve pudding mix, can bring to a classic pastry. This beloved family recipe, graciously shared by Wendy and her family, offers a unique twist on traditional Kolaches, ensuring a moist and tender crumb that will have everyone asking for more. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat anytime, these Kolaches are destined to become a new favorite in your home.
Kolaches are a type of yeast pastry that originated in Central Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic, and have become a beloved staple in many cultures, especially in American communities with Czech roots. Traditionally round, with an indentation in the center, they are often filled with a variety of sweet fillings such as fruit jams, poppy seeds, or cream cheese. What truly elevates this particular recipe for Kolaches is the inclusion of cook and serve pudding mix directly into the dough. This ingenious addition imparts an unparalleled tenderness and a subtle, delightful sweetness that sets these pastries apart from other sweet bun recipes.
Pudding Mix Kolaches: Recipe Notes and Adaptations
While the essence of this heirloom recipe remains beautifully intact, some adjustments are helpful to account for modern ingredient availability and to enhance the baking experience. My notes and adaptations aim to guide you through making these Kolaches as perfectly as possible, ensuring they live up to their reputation for being incredibly soft and fluffy.
Navigating Pudding Box Sizes in Modern Baking
The original family recipe calls for a 4-ounce box of cook and serve pudding mix. However, over the past five decades, product packaging has changed, and it’s now more common to find “4-serving size” boxes that contain only 3 ounces of pudding mix. This difference in weight can affect the sweetness and the overall consistency of your Kolache dough. But fear not, there are simple solutions:
- Recommended Adjustment: If you’re using a standard 3-ounce box of cook and serve pudding mix, simply add an extra 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the pudding mixture as it cools. This will perfectly balance the sweetness, replicating the original intent of the recipe without compromising the dough’s texture.
- Alternative Method: Should you wish to precisely match the original 4-ounce measurement, you could purchase a larger 5-ounce box of cook and serve pudding and weigh out 4 ounces. However, the first option is generally simpler and equally effective.
It’s crucial to use cook and serve pudding mix, not instant pudding. The starch content in cook and serve pudding is what contributes to the unique moisture and tender structure of these Kolaches, making them stand out from other sweet yeast breads.
The Importance of Flour Selection
For this recipe, I highly recommend using bread flour. While all-purpose flour can certainly be used, bread flour has a higher protein content. This higher protein level develops more gluten when kneaded, resulting in a dough that is more elastic and has a better structure. For Kolaches, this translates to a more satisfying chewiness and an even softer, airier texture, allowing them to rise beautifully and hold their shape with ease. If you’re aiming for that truly authentic bakery-quality Kolache, bread flour is the way to go.
Customizing Your Kolache Fillings
Wendy’s family heirloom recipe traditionally suggests using cherry pie filling, which offers a delightful tartness that complements the sweet dough. However, one of the joys of baking Kolaches is the endless possibilities for fillings. My personal preference, which I used for this recipe, is a rich and tangy cream cheese mixture, often paired with a delicious crumb topping (you can find my favorite recipe for this from my Sour Cream Kolache recipe). Don’t hesitate to personalize your Kolaches with your favorite fillings:
- Classic Fruit Fillings: Beyond cherry, popular choices include apricot, prune, poppy seed, or various fruit jams and preserves.
- Cream Cheese: A wonderfully creamy and slightly tart option that many adore.
- Nut Fillings: Ground walnuts or pecans sweetened with sugar and spices make for a rich, satisfying interior.
The beauty of these Pudding Mix Kolaches is their versatile base, which perfectly highlights any filling you choose. So, feel free to get creative and experiment!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pudding Mix Kolaches
These sweet buns are more than just a recipe; they are an experience. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your regular baking rotation:
- Unrivaled Softness: The secret ingredient—pudding mix—works wonders to create an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Exceptional Fluffiness: The well-developed yeast dough results in light, airy Kolaches that are a joy to bite into.
- Moisture Retention: The pudding mix also helps the Kolaches stay fresh and moist for longer, ensuring deliciousness over several days.
- Flavorful Foundation: A subtle vanilla essence from the pudding enhances the overall sweet flavor of the dough, making it a perfect complement to any filling.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for special occasion breakfasts, holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply a comforting snack.
- Rewarding Baking Project: While requiring a bit of time for rising, the process is straightforward and the results are incredibly satisfying.
Essential Tips for Baking Perfect Pudding Mix Kolaches
Baking with yeast can be a rewarding experience, and these tips will help ensure your Pudding Mix Kolaches turn out perfectly every time:
- Active Yeast is Key: Always check your yeast! Dissolve it in warm water (105-115°F or 40-46°C) with a pinch of sugar. If it doesn’t foam within 5-10 minutes, your yeast is likely expired, and you’ll need fresh packets.
- Lukewarm Pudding Mixture: After preparing the pudding and stirring in the butter, it’s crucial to let it cool to lukewarm before adding the yeast. Hot liquid will kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising.
- Don’t Over-Flour the Dough: Add flour gradually until the dough is soft, slightly tacky to the touch, but no longer sticky enough to adhere to your hands. Over-flouring will result in dry, dense Kolaches.
- Thorough Kneading: Knead the dough for the recommended 5 to 10 minutes. This develops the gluten, making the dough elastic and capable of rising properly, contributing to the signature soft texture.
- Warm, Draft-Free Rising Environment: Yeast dough loves warmth to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off), a sunny spot, or simply a warm kitchen corner covered with a clean towel works wonders.
- Gentle Dough Handling: When forming the dough balls and pressing the indentations for the filling, handle the dough gently to avoid deflating too much of the air that has built up during the rise.
- Allow for Adequate Rising Time: Don’t rush the rising process. Both the first and second rises are essential for developing flavor and achieving the desired light and fluffy texture.
- Perfect Baking Temperature: Preheat your oven thoroughly. Baking at the correct temperature ensures an even bake and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Kolaches With Sour Cream Dough: Discover another recipe for tender Kolaches, featuring a rich sour cream-based dough.
- Pumpkin Spice Kolaches with Cream Cheese: A delightful seasonal variation, perfect for autumn and winter festivities.
- Soft and Fluffy Kolaches: For those who appreciate the classic, airy texture of traditional Kolaches.
- Cream Cheese Filled Kolaches: A dedicated recipe for lovers of creamy, tangy cream cheese fillings.
- Small Batch Kolache Recipe: Ideal if you’re baking for a smaller crowd or just want to try your hand at Kolaches without making a large quantity.
Pudding Mix Kolaches Recipe
Pudding Mix Kolaches
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 4- oz package vanilla pudding (cook and serve, or 1 3-oz box + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- 2 envelopes active dry yeast (or 4 ½ teaspoons)
- ½ cup warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 5 to 5 ½ cups bread flour (plus more for dusting, or all-purpose flour)
- Cherry pie filling (or your preferred kolache filling, e.g., cream cheese, poppy seed, fruit jam)
Instructions
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Prepare the Pudding Base: Cook the pudding according to the package directions, using 1 ½ cups of milk. If you are using a 3-ounce box of pudding mix, remember to stir in the additional 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar at this point. Once cooked, remove from heat. Add the butter and stir until it has melted completely and is well incorporated into the pudding. Set aside to cool until it reaches a lukewarm temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
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Activate Yeast & Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the ½ cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, which indicates the yeast is active. Once foamy, stir this activated yeast mixture into the lukewarm pudding base. Beat in the eggs and salt until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.
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Form and Knead the Dough: Gradually incorporate 5 to 5 ½ cups of flour into the wet mixture. Add just enough flour to form a moderately soft dough that is slightly sticky but easy to handle. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5 to 10 minutes. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer excessively sticky.
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First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the kneaded dough into the greased bowl, turning it once to ensure the entire surface is lightly coated with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled significantly in size. This process typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the ambient temperature. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air.
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Shape and Fill Kolaches: Divide the dough into small, walnut-sized balls. Arrange these evenly spaced dough balls on a greased cookie sheet, leaving approximately 1 ½ inches between each to allow for expansion. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create a clear indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill each hollow with your chosen Kolache filling, such as cherry pie filling or cream cheese.
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Second Rise & Bake: Loosely cover the filled Kolaches with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let them rise again in a warm place until they are almost double in size. This second rise usually takes about 30-45 minutes. While the Kolaches are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 minutes, or until the Kolaches are golden brown and beautifully puffed.
Notes
Enjoying and Storing Your Homemade Pudding Mix Kolaches
Once your Kolaches have cooled, they are ready to be savored! These soft and fluffy sweet buns are absolutely delicious served fresh, perhaps alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat. Their delicate sweetness and tender texture make them an instant hit for any occasion. If you prefer them warm, a quick zap in the microwave for a few seconds will bring back that irresistible fresh-from-the-oven feel.
To keep any leftover Kolaches fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer preservation, Kolaches freeze wonderfully. Arrange the completely cooled Kolaches in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the Kolaches at room temperature and warm them gently if desired.
A Timeless Treat for Modern Bakers
This Pudding Mix Kolache recipe is more than just a culinary instruction; it’s a bridge to cherished traditions and a testament to the joy of homemade baking. By cleverly incorporating a common pantry item like cook and serve pudding mix, Wendy’s family heirloom recipe elevates the classic Kolache to new heights of softness, flavor, and moistness. Whether you are an experienced baker or just venturing into the world of yeast pastries, these Kolaches offer a rewarding and delicious project that is sure to impress everyone who tastes them. Gather your ingredients, follow these detailed steps, and prepare to create a batch of the most ultimate soft and fluffy sweet buns you’ve ever tasted. Happy baking!