Southern Blueberry Kolaches

Indulge in a taste of the South with these delectable Southern Blueberry Kolaches. Bursting with juicy blueberries encased in a soft, pillowy dough, these pastries are a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for breakfast or a comforting snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these kolaches are sure to hit the spot. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of love, you can create homemade pastries that will rival any bakery’s offerings.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 envelopes instant yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 eggs

For the Filling:

• 3 cups fresh blueberries
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Topping:

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

For the Dough:

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of flour, instant yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Heat water to 110°F (43°C) and pour it over the yeast mixture. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining flour, sugar, and salt. Heat the sour cream and butter until warm, then add them to the dry ingredients along with the yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

For the Filling:

1. Prepare Blueberries: In a saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assembling the Kolaches:

1. Divide Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a disk.
2. Add Filling: Place a spoonful of the blueberry filling in the center of each dough disk.
3. Fold Dough: Fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching the seams together to seal.
4. Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the topping. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping over the filled kolaches.

Baking the Kolaches:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Place the assembled kolaches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Cool: Allow the kolaches to cool slightly before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations

• Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Add more flour if necessary, but avoid adding too much, as it may result in dense kolaches.
• Fruit Variations: Feel free to substitute the blueberries with your favorite fruit, such as strawberries, peaches, or cherries.
• Glaze: For a finishing touch, you can drizzle the baked kolaches with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before using in the filling.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the kolaches.

Q: How should I store leftover kolaches? A: Store leftover kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Q: Can I omit the topping if I prefer? A: Yes, you can omit the topping if you prefer a simpler kolache. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar before baking for added sweetness and texture.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version:

• Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour to reduce carb content.
• Use a keto-friendly sweetener in place of granulated sugar in the dough and filling.
• Opt for a low-carb fruit filling such as raspberries or blackberries.

Low-Carb Version:

• Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the dough to lower carb content.
• Sweeten the filling with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
• Reduce the amount of blueberries in the filling to lower the overall carb count.

These Southern Blueberry Kolaches are a delightful treat that brings a taste of the South to your kitchen. With a buttery, pillowy dough enveloping sweet, juicy blueberries, each bite is a little taste of heaven. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up, these kolaches are sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible pastries—you won’t be disappointed!