Recipe
Vatrushka with Sweet Cheese Filling
Cheesy Delight: Vatrushka with a Russian Twist
4.5 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Russian cuisine with this delightful Vatrushka recipe. These soft and pillowy pastries are filled with a sweet cheese mixture, creating a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
20-25 minutes
Total time
1 hour 45 minutes
Yields
8 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Shellfish-free
Allergens
Wheat (gluten), Milk, Eggs
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo
Ingredients
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For the dough: For the dough:
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup (120ml) milk, lukewarm 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, lukewarm
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2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
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1 large egg 1 large egg
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For the filling: For the filling:
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2 cups (450g) farmer's cheese or cottage cheese 2 cups (450g) farmer's cheese or cottage cheese
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1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 large egg yolks 2 large egg yolks
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For the glaze: For the glaze:
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1 large egg, beaten 1 large egg, beaten
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1 tablespoon milk 1 tablespoon milk
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 8g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Salt: 0.4g
Preparation
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1.In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
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2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly.
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3.Add the yeast mixture and the egg to the flour mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
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4.Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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5.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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6.In the meantime, prepare the filling by combining the farmer's cheese or cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolks in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
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7.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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8.Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
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9.Flatten each dough ball into a disk and place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center.
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10.Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a round pastry with a small opening in the center.
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11.Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
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12.In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush the pastries with the egg wash.
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13.Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown.
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14.Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Farmer's cheese or cottage cheese — Make sure to use well-drained cheese to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Active dry yeast — Check the expiration date and ensure the yeast is fresh for optimal rising of the dough.
- Lukewarm milk — The milk should be warm to the touch but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
Tips & Tricks
- For a sweeter filling, you can add a tablespoon of honey or powdered sugar to the cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a more golden crust, brush the pastries with melted butter before baking.
- Serve the Vatrushka warm for the best taste and texture.
- You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the pastries for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cheese filling.
Serving advice
Serve the Vatrushka as a delightful breakfast pastry or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Vatrushka on a serving platter, dust them with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
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