Central Florida’s first kolache bakery and café has arrived for breakfast and coffee lovers daily, serving up joy one pastry at a time.

The Cousin’s Kolaches team is already at work long before most of us are awake, starting at 3 a.m. to prepare fresh dough for the day. Every batch is made from scratch and turned into melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts, cinnamon buns and golden, buttery kolaches.

Not familiar with kolaches? They are a sweet, soft pastry originating from the Czech Republic, traditionally made with a yeast dough and filled with sweet and savory options, from fruit and cheese to eggs, sausage, and chicken.

Czech immigrants introduced kolaches to Texas, and they became a Southern staple. Now, thanks to Cousin’s Kolaches, Lake County gets to enjoy these delectable treats, too.

This recently-opened family-owned bakery and café carries on a legacy of local entrepreneurship. Vinnie Vittoria, longtime owner of Cousin Vinnie’s, has passed the torch to his daughter Tara, who has poured her heart into creating this new culinary gem.

Located at 359 E. Burleigh Blvd., behind Twistee Treat in Tavares, the café is bright, clean and full of personality with a mix of cheerful turquoise blues, coffee shop décor and a standout pink sparkled kitchen floor.

“This floor makes me happy to come to work every day,” Tara says.

Expect to be greeted with genuine warmth and enthusiasm from the moment you step inside. The staff’s passion for their craft shines as brightly as the display case filled with fresh-baked treats. Each kolache is a little work of art, a bite of comfort and creativity that reflects the early morning dedication behind it.

Of course, no morning would be complete without a perfect cup of coffee from their indulgent coffee bar, where you can sip your favorite blend or discover a new one.

Cousin’s Kolaches is proof that the best mornings start with family, flavor and freshness, whether you’re dining in or taking advantage of their convenient online ordering and curbside pickup.

If you go:

Cousin’s Kolaches
359 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares
CousinKolaches.com
352.742.7432

Photos provided by Cousin’s Kolaches