Kolaches are a beloved pastry originating from Central Europe, especially popular in Czech and Slovak cultures. Traditionally filled with sweet or savory delights, these soft, fluffy buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
But what if you want to enjoy this delightful treat without any animal products? That’s where this vegan kolache recipe comes in!
It captures the essence of classic kolaches with a light, tender dough and delicious plant-based fillings. Whether you’re a vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just looking to try something new, these kolaches are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Making vegan kolaches from scratch may seem intimidating, but with this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time. The dough is soft and slightly sweet, and you can customize the fillings to suit your taste—from fruit jams to savory tofu or veggie blends.
Plus, they freeze well, making them a convenient treat to have on hand. Let’s dive in and bring a bit of European bakery magic right into your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan kolache recipe offers a perfect balance of tradition and plant-based innovation. The dough is enriched with non-dairy milk and vegan butter, yielding a soft, pillowy texture that’s deliciously satisfying.
It’s also versatile—you can experiment with various fillings, both sweet and savory, to suit your preferences.
Not only is this recipe entirely free of animal products, but it also uses common pantry staples, making it accessible for most home bakers. The step-by-step instructions are clear and beginner-friendly, so even if you’re new to bread making, you’ll feel confident creating these delightful treats.
Bonus: These kolaches freeze beautifully and reheat well, perfect for meal prep or busy mornings. Don’t forget to check out my Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for another fantastic bread option!
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm non-dairy milk (soy, almond, oat, or your choice)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional fillings:
- Fruit preserves or jam (apricot, raspberry, or prune)
- Vegan cream cheese mixed with a little sugar and lemon zest
- Sautéed mushrooms and vegan cheese for savory kolaches
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
- Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small bowl for filling
- Pastry brush (for optional glaze)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together the warm non-dairy milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to work.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl (or your stand mixer bowl), combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and the activated yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough: Mix the ingredients until a sticky dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes. Otherwise, knead by hand on a floured surface for 10 minutes, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the kolaches: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Prepare the indentations: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press a small well into the center of each dough ball. Be careful not to press all the way through. This will hold your filling.
- Add the filling: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of your chosen filling into each indentation. Sweet fillings like fruit jam or vegan cream cheese work wonderfully, or try savory fillings like sautéed mushrooms with vegan cheese for a twist.
- Second rise: Cover the kolaches loosely with a towel and allow them to rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the kolaches for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack. For a shiny finish, brush with a little melted vegan butter while still warm. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
“For perfectly soft kolaches, make sure your non-dairy milk is warm but not hot—around 100°F (38°C) is ideal for activating yeast.”
- Sweet filling ideas: Try prune jam, apricot preserves, or a vegan cream cheese and berry mix for classic flavors.
- Savory options: Use sautéed onions, mushrooms, vegan sausage crumbles, or spinach with vegan cheese for a hearty snack.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads, but note the texture will differ slightly.
- Make ahead: Kolaches freeze well before baking. Freeze shaped kolaches on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- For a shiny glaze: Brush with maple syrup mixed with a little warm water after baking for a sweet touch.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Kolache (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 5 g (varies by filling) |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegan kolaches are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and sides. Enjoy them warm with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chai latte for a cozy morning treat.
For a savory brunch, serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. If you opt for sweet fillings, pair with fresh fruit or a dollop of coconut yogurt for added creaminess.
Want to explore more vegan baking ideas? Check out my Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to expand your plant-based repertoire.
Conclusion
Making vegan kolaches at home is a rewarding experience that brings a taste of Central European tradition into your kitchen while embracing plant-based living. This recipe balances the softness of enriched dough with your choice of fillings, creating a delightful treat for any time of day.
Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, a casual brunch, or a special occasion, these kolaches are sure to impress.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the freedom to customize fillings means you can enjoy them sweet or savory, depending on your mood.
Don’t forget to experiment and make this classic your own. For more delicious vegan recipes and culinary inspiration, explore the wide variety of options available on our site—like these Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Kolache
Description: Soft and fluffy vegan kolaches filled with sweet fruit or savory fillings. Perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 12 kolaches
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm almond milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or vegan sausage crumbles (for filling)
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm almond milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix sugar, melted vegan butter, flax egg, vanilla, and salt into the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Cover dough and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Divide dough into 12 balls and flatten each slightly.
- Place a spoonful of jam or vegan sausage in the center of each.
- Fold dough around filling and pinch edges to seal.
- Place kolaches on a baking sheet and let rise 20 minutes.
- Brush tops with vegetable oil.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 30g
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