Kolaches from LOTTIE + DOOF

Kolache Dough (adapted from Saveur, issue #121)

1 1⁄4-oz. package active dry yeast

1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided

4 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened, plus 2 tbsp. melted

1⁄2 tsp. kosher salt

1 egg yolk

3 1⁄2 cups flour, divided (plus more for kneading)

3⁄4 cup milk

In a bowl, stir the yeast, 1 tsp. sugar, and 1⁄2 cup water heated to 115°; let sit until foamy. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and 3 tbsp. sugar until combined. Add salt and egg yolk; beat until smooth. Add yeast mixture, 3 1⁄4 cups flour, and milk; stir until dough comes together. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until no longer very sticky, adding flour as needed (I needed to add about another 1/4 cup of flour) and form a ball. Return ball of dough to bowl. Cover bowl with a kitchen towel; set aside in a warm place to let rise, about 1 hour. (It will about double in size.) To make crumb topping, combine remaining sugar, 1 tbsp. melted butter, and remaining 1/4 cup flour in a bowl; set aside. (It will be sandy with small clumps of crumbs)

Heat oven to 375°. Divide dough into 16 balls; arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet about a 1/2 inch from each other (4 rows of 4). Brush with remaining melted butter; cover with plastic wrap; let rise for 30 minutes. Using back of a spoon or fingers, make an indentation in the top center of each ball. Spoon 1 tbsp. filling into each; sprinkle with crumb topping. Bake until golden, 25–30 minutes. These are best the day they are made.

Strawberry Filling

8 oz. strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced

3/4 cup sugar

1⁄2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Combine berries, sugar, lemon juice, and 1⁄4 cup water in a 2-qt. pan over medium-high heat. Cook until thick, 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat; mash berries until chunky; let cool.

Cottage Cheese Filling

4 oz. cottage cheese

2 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

3 tbsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. lemon juice

1 egg yolk

Place the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and egg yolk in a medium bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth.