Recipe for unsweetened yeast dough – a versatile base for koláče and buns

Name: Recipe for unsweetened yeast dough – a versatile base for koláče and buns
Prep time: 75 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 50 g fresh yeast; 500 ml warm milk; 2 eggs; 150 g butter or margarine (melted); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 100 g plain flour; 2 tablespoons sunflower oil

Easy to prepare
12 portions
75 minutes

Jan, 21. 12. 2025

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Unsweetened yeast dough is a great base for both sweet and savory pastries. Thanks to its simple preparation, perfect structure and softness, it is suitable for koláče, buns and strudels. In this article you will find not only the exact procedure, but also tips on how to store the dough and use it in various recipes.

For 12 portions

Ingredients

50 g fresh yeast
500 ml warm milk
2 eggs
150 g butter or margarine (melted)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 100 g plain flour
2 tablespoons sunflower oil

Preparation procedure

Yeast activation Pour the warm milk into a large bowl, add the yeast and whisk until completely dissolved.
Adding the basic ingredients Stir the sugar, salt and part of the sifted flour into the milk mixture. In another bowl, mix the melted butter with the eggs. Make sure the butter is not too hot. Add the butter mixture to the activated base.
Mixing and kneading Gradually beat in the remaining flour. Toward the end, transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead by hand for 3–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Incorporating oil and first rising Work the sunflower oil into the kneaded dough and knead for another 2 minutes. Place the dough in a bowl lightly greased with oil, cover with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 30–40 minutes.
Kneading again and second rising Briefly knead the risen dough, divide it into the desired portions (e.g. 12–15 rolls or 2 trays of koláče), cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Further use and storage The dough is now ready for further processing (filling, shaping). If you do not plan to bake the pastries immediately, divide the dough into portions, wrap in bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 days.

Time required and number of servings

Preparation and kneading: 15 minutes
First rising: 30–40 minutes
Second rising: 30 minutes
Total: approx. 1 h 15 min
Yield: dough for 12–15 buns or 2 large trays of koláče

Conclusion

Unsweetened yeast dough is a versatile base suitable for traditional fruit koláče as well as savory versions with cheese or ham. Thanks to its easy preparation and the possibility of freezer storage, you can always have it on hand. Try it and enrich your baking with a genuine homemade base.