Tvaroh and Poppy Seed Kolache Twists

Prepare the Dough

1. 1In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
2. 2Pour the warm milk and melted butter into the well. Add the egg. Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
3. 3Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or in a stand mixer for 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
4. 4Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Make the Fillings

1. 1For the tvaroh filling, beat the tvaroh, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. 2For the poppy seed filling, combine ground poppy seeds, honey, milk, and lemon zest in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool completely.

Assemble the Kolache Twists

1. 1Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
2. 2On a lightly floured surface, take one ball of dough and roll it into a rectangle approximately 6x4 inches. If the dough is too sticky, use a little more flour.
3. 3Spread 1-2 tablespoons of either the tvaroh filling or the poppy seed filling evenly over the surface of the dough rectangle, leaving a small border.
4. 4Carefully fold the dough rectangle in half lengthwise, enclosing the filling. Pinch the edges to seal.
5. 5Gently twist the folded dough several times to create a braided effect. Alternatively, you can cut the rectangle into three strips and braid them, then enclose the filling. Or, simply fold and pinch without twisting for a simpler shape.
6. 6Place the prepared kolache twists onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
7. 7Cover the kolache loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 20-30 minutes while you preheat the oven.

Bake the Kolache

1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2Brush the tops of the kolache twists with the egg wash. Sprinkle with granulated sugar.
3. 3Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. 4Let the kolache cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.