Texas Cream Cheese Kolaches

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, warm (110°F)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour, so keep an eye on the consistency.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.
6. While the dough rises, prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a disk about 4 inches in diameter.
8. Place a generous tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each disk. Fold the edges over the filling, pinching to seal. Place the filled kolaches seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Cover the kolaches with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash. Brush the tops of the kolaches with the egg wash for a golden finish.
11. Bake the kolaches for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.