Description
Vatrushka is a traditional Russian cheese pastry filled with a creamy cheese mixture, perfect for a delightful snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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 disc about 4 inches in diameter.
- Place the discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your fingers to create a small well in the center of each disc.
- Spoon the cheese filling into the wells of each pastry.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a fruity twist, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cheese filling or top the pastries with fresh berries before baking.
- Substitute the ricotta and cream cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter filling option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg