Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Maple Pecan Kolaches

Soft, sweet buns filled with a creamy maple center and a crunchy pecan topping, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm whole milk
  • 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 whole egg
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Optional Egg wash: 1 egg mixed with 1 Tbsp milk or cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp maple extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk to 105–115°F. Stir in 1 tbsp sugar and the yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, the remaining sugar, whole egg, 2 egg yolks, and salt.
  3. Add the foamy yeast and warm milk to the bowl. Stir to combine.
  4. Add 4 cups of flour a cup at a time and stir until a soft dough forms. If sticky, add up to 1/2 cup more flour.
  5. Knead the dough by hand for 6-8 minutes, or use a stand mixer for 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 60-90 minutes.
  7. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for rise. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  8. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, powdered sugar, and maple extract. Mix until creamy.
  9. In a small bowl, mix chopped pecans with brown sugar for topping.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  11. Make a shallow well in each dough ball and fill with 1-2 tbsp cream cheese filling. Sprinkle with pecan-brown sugar mix.
  12. Brush edges with egg wash and bake for 15-18 minutes until tops are light golden. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These kolaches can be made ahead and frozen for quick breakfasts. Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal.

  • Author: miguel-santiago
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 kolache
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: kolaches, maple pecan, breakfast, snacks, Southern desserts