The holiday season is a time for cozy gatherings, festive decorations, and delicious treats that warm both the heart and the belly. If you’re looking to add a touch of Russian tradition to your Christmas baking repertoire, then Shangi Sweet Cheese Pies are the perfect choice. These delightful little pies are a popular Russian dessert that combines the rich creaminess of sweet cheese filling with a flaky pastry crust. They are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering, whether you serve them as a sweet treat with a cup of tea, or as a delightful addition to your Christmas dessert table.
Shangi Sweet Cheese Pies
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 lb farmer’s cheese or ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, sour cream, sugar, egg yolk, baking powder, and salt. Mix together using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the farmer’s cheese (or ricotta cheese if you prefer), sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined. Set aside.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8-inch thick.
6. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each circle.
7. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
8. Place the assembled pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
9. Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
These Shangi Sweet Cheese Pies are best enjoyed warm, with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Their delicate pastry and creamy cheese filling make them a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for a delicious treat to enjoy on a cozy winter evening, these traditional Russian pies are sure to bring joy to your home and your taste buds. Embrace the spirit of the holiday season with these delightful sweet cheese pies straight from the heart of Russian Christmas baking tradition.
