Delicious Russian Sweet Cheese Pastry Recipe

Vatrushka is a popular Russian pastry made with a soft and rich dough filled with a sweet cheese filling. It is a traditional sweet treat that is enjoyed by people of all ages. This recipe will guide you through the process of making these delightful pastries from scratch. Made with simple ingredients, vatrushka is perfect for a special occasion or as a sweet treat any time of the day.

Ingredients

• For the dough:
• - 2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 2 tablespoons sugar
• - 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• - 1/2 cup warm milk
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• - 1/4 teaspoon salt
• - 1 large egg
• For the filling:
• - 1 cup cottage cheese
• - 1/4 cup sugar
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 1 large egg yolk
• - Raisins or jam for topping (optional)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten egg.
3. Mix the ingredients until they come together to form a soft dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until well combined.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal-sized pieces.
8. Take each piece of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten each ball with your hands to create a round disc, about 4 inches in diameter.
9. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough disc. Optionally, top the filling with a few raisins or a dollop of jam.
10. Fold the edges of the dough disc towards the center, creating a small border around the filling. Pinch the edges to seal the vatrushka.
11. Place the vatrushka on the prepared baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
12. Bake the vatrushka in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and the filling is set.
13. Remove from the oven and let the vatrushka cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Interesting Facts