If you’re looking to add some European flair to your holiday baking repertoire, look no further than these delightful Polish Cheese Buns, known locally as Drożdżówki Z Serem. These pillowy soft buns filled with a sweet cheese filling are a staple of many Polish households during the Christmas season. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea on a cozy winter evening or serve them as part of your holiday dessert spread, these cheese buns are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
**Drożdżówki Z Serem – Cheese Buns**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 ½ cups farmer’s cheese or ricotta cheese
– 1/3 cup powdered sugar
– Zest of one lemon
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and the remaining granulated sugar. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, then pour in the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the cheese filling. In a bowl, mix together the farmer’s cheese (or ricotta), powdered sugar, and lemon zest until well combined. Set aside.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a disk about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each dough disk. Fold the edges over the filling, pinching them together to seal. Shape the dough into a bun and place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
8. Brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg to give them a shiny finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese buns are golden brown and puffed.
9. Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These cheese buns are best enjoyed warm, so indulge in the cozy goodness of a fresh-baked Drożdżówki Z Serem with loved ones this holiday season.
Drożdżówki Z Serem are a delightful treat that showcases the warm flavors of Christmas in Poland. Whether you have Polish heritage or simply appreciate the beauty of world cuisine, these cheese buns will surely become a cherished part of your festive baking traditions. Enjoy the process of making these delicious buns and share the joy of homemade goodness with those around you!
