Sweet Cheese Pierogi With Vanilla
These delightful dumplings, filled with creamy sweet cheese and a hint of vanilla, provide a perfect treat for any time of the day. They're a staple of Eastern European cuisine, celebrated for their versatility and the balance of textures they offer.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Round cutter or glass
- Pot for boiling
- Skillet for frying
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1 cup farmer's cheese (250 g)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
For Serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fruit preserves (optional)
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg and sour cream. Mix until a dough forms, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Tip: Letting the dough rest for 20-30 minutes will make it easier to roll out.
Prepare the Filling
- In another bowl, mix together the farmer's cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
- Tip: Taste the filling during preparation; you can adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
Assemble the Pierogi
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut circles from the dough. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle, fold them over, and pinch the edges to seal tightly.
- Tip: Ensure there’s no filling near the edges for a better seal.
Cook the Pierogi
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop pierogi in batches, cooking until they float to the top—about 3-4 minutes.
- Tip: You can stop here or sauté the boiled pierogi in a skillet with butter for a delightful crispness.
Serve and Enjoy
- Dust the warm pierogi with powdered sugar and serve with fruit preserves, if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips for Sweet Cheese Pierogi
Use high-quality farmer's cheese for the best flavor. Experiment with different types of sugar; brown sugar adds a nice depth. For a fun twist, incorporate lemon or orange zest into the filling.