If you’re looking to add a touch of Russian tradition to your holiday baking this year, why not try making Vareniki Sweet Dumplings? These delightful treats are not only delicious but also a staple of Russian Christmas celebrations. With a soft dough enveloping a sweet and fruity filling, Vareniki Sweet Dumplings are perfect for serving up as a dessert or indulging in as a cozy snack by the fire. Let’s dive into this recipe and learn how to create these homemade Russian gems right in your own kitchen.
**Vareniki Sweet Dumplings**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– Powdered sugar for dusting
– Sour cream (optional, for serving)
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
2. Crack the egg into the well and pour in the warm water. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ones until a dough starts to form.
3. Once the dough begins to come together, knead it on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
4. While the dough is resting, prepare the cherry filling. In a separate bowl, stir the cherry preserves until they are smooth and evenly combined.
5. After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough.
6. Spoon a small amount of the cherry filling into the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill to avoid leaks during cooking.
7. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish.
8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the Vareniki Sweet Dumplings into the water in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they rise to the surface.
9. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked dumplings from the water and place them on a serving platter. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining dumplings.
10. Once all the Vareniki Sweet Dumplings are cooked and arranged on the platter, dust them generously with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serve the Vareniki Sweet Dumplings warm with a dollop of sour cream on the side if desired. These delightful treats are best enjoyed fresh and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends this holiday season. Embrace the cozy warmth of Russian Christmas traditions with these homemade delights straight from your oven.
Enjoy the process of creating these Vareniki Sweet Dumplings and savor every bite of their deliciousness!
