Grandma Skeet's Prune Kolaches

Recipe View 2 hrs In the pan of a bread machine, combine the warm water, salt, egg, and 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Add the bread flour, then sprinkle 1/4 cup of sugar around the edge of the pan. Create a small well in the center of the flour and add the yeast. Close the lid and set the machine to the 'DOUGH' cycle. (approximately 1.5 - 2 hours)

Recipe View 20 mins While the dough is mixing, prepare the prune filling. In a saucepan, combine the pitted prunes, prune juice (or water), 1/4 cup of sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the prunes are very soft and the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender or food processor to blend until smooth.

Recipe View 10 mins Once the bread machine cycle is complete, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 20 equal pieces (about the size of a small egg). Cover the dough pieces with greased plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.

Recipe View 5 mins Prepare the streusel topping. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir in the melted butter and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Recipe View 5 mins Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Recipe View 25 mins Shape each piece of dough into a smooth ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently create a shallow indentation in the center of each ball. Fill each indentation generously with the prepared prune filling. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the prune filling on each kolache. Allow the assembled kolaches to rest in a warm place until they have nearly doubled in size, about 20 minutes.

Recipe View 15 mins Bake in the preheated oven until the tops are lightly golden brown, about 14 to 16 minutes. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.