If you’re looking to bring a touch of Russian tradition to your Christmas baking this holiday season, look no further than the delightful Vatrushka Sweet Farmer’s Cheese Pastry. These pastries are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, with their golden-brown crusts and luscious cheese fillings. Perfect for serving at a festive brunch or as a sweet snack with a cup of tea, these Vatrushkas are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.
Vatrushka Sweet Farmer’s Cheese Pastry
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1 tbsp warm water
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 cup farmer’s cheese (tvorog) or ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and set aside for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the milk and yeast mixture. Stir together until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it gently for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. In the meantime, in a separate bowl, mix together the farmer’s cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and raisins (if using). Set aside.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a disk about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each dough disk. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, leaving the center exposed.
9. Transfer the filled pastries to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each pastry. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
10. Bake the Vatrushkas in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
11. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
These Vatrushka Sweet Farmer’s Cheese Pastries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese filling is still warm and gooey. The combination of the flaky pastry and the creamy, slightly sweet cheese filling is truly irresistible. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these Russian Christmas treats are sure to bring joy and deliciousness to your holiday gatherings. Treat your loved ones to a taste of Russian tradition with this delightful recipe!
