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Healthy Sourdough Discard Kolaches Recipe

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4 from 88 reviews

Healthy Sourdough Discard Kolaches combine the tangy flavor and chewiness of sourdough with a rich cream cheese filling and a crumbly streusel topping. This recipe uses whole grain spelt and einkorn flours for a nutritious twist, with a slow fermentation process that develops flavor and texture. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these kolaches are soft, tender, and delightfully balanced between sweet and savory.

  • Total Time: 1 hour active plus 12-15 hours including fermentation and rising
  • Yield: 9 kolaches

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 3 tbsp white sugar
  • 3/4 cup whole grain spelt flour
  • 1/4 cup active sourdough discard (unfed, straight from the fridge)
  • 1/2 cup milk (warmed to about 90°F)
  • 1 cup all-purpose einkorn flour (plus 2-4 tbsp for dusting)
  • 1 large egg (at room temperature)
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp sea salt

For the cream cheese filling:

  • 6 oz softened cream cheese (Philadelphia recommended)
  • 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp all-purpose flour
  • a pinch salt

For the streusel topping:

  • 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp white sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (chilled and cut into small pieces)
  • 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook, briefly mix all-purpose flour and sea salt. Whisk milk, melted butter, sugar, egg, and egg yolk together in another bowl, then stir in the sourdough discard. Pour this liquid mixture gradually into the flour while mixing on low speed. When a shaggy dough forms with no dry spots, increase speed to medium-low and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding extra flour if needed. Transfer the dough to a bowl, cover, let rise at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate overnight.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Using a mixer with a paddle attachment or hand mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and salt on low speed until smooth (about 1 minute). Scrape down sides, add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and mix. Adjust lemon juice to taste if needed. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
  3. Prepare the Streusel Topping: Combine flour, sugar, and chilled butter pieces in a small bowl. Rub together with fingers until the mixture resembles wet sand. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Form the Dough Balls: Remove dough from the fridge the next day, punch it down, and place on a lightly floured surface. Shape into a 9-inch log and cut into 9 equal pieces (~64 grams each). Cover with a towel. Shape each piece into a tight ball by pinching edges and smoothing tops. Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down, spaced 1 1/2 inches apart. Cover and let rise until puffed and about 1.5 times larger (2-3 hours).
  5. Prepare the Kolaches for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom of a 1/3-cup measuring cup with butter and dust with flour. Press into the center of each dough ball to form an indentation. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cream cheese filling into each indentation, smoothing the surface. Mix egg with a splash of water for egg wash and brush edges of dough. Sprinkle streusel topping on the edges, avoiding the filling.
  6. Bake and Enjoy: Bake kolaches for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, rotating the pan halfway. In the last few minutes, move the pan to a higher rack if needed for better browning. Cool on a wire rack for about 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use active sourdough discard straight from the fridge for best results.
  • Warming milk to about 90°F helps activate yeast without killing it.
  • Overkneading may cause the dough to become tough; knead until elastic and smooth.
  • Adjust lemon juice in the filling to your preferred tartness.
  • Allowing the dough balls to rise fully will yield a lighter, fluffier texture.
  • Egg wash gives a glossy finish, while streusel adds texture and sweetness.
  • Store leftover kolaches in an airtight container; reheat briefly before serving.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/healthy-sourdough-discard-kolaches-recipe/