Traditional Russian Vatrushka Recipe

Ingredients

500g all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of warm milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 tsp of active dry yeast
1/2 tsp of salt
100g unsalted butter
800g quark cheese (or cottage cheese)
100g sugar for the filling
1 egg for the filling
1 tsp of vanilla extract for the filling

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add the flour, sugar, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
Add the softened butter to the dough and continue mixing until it is fully incorporated. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine the quark cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
When the dough has risen, divide it into equal pieces, about the size of a small apple. Shape each piece into a ball, then flatten it with your hands. Create a small well in the center of each dough piece.
Spoon the cheese filling into the well of each dough piece.
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (or 350 degrees Fahrenheit). Place each vatrushka on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Bake the vatrushkas for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
Allow the vatrushkas to cool before serving. Enjoy!

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix and knead the dough.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
Dough Scraper - A tool to help scrape and shape the dough.
Baking Tray - A flat tray to hold and bake the vatrushkas.
Parchment Paper - To line the baking tray and prevent sticking.
Spoon - To spoon the cheese filling into the dough.
Clean Kitchen Towel - To cover the dough while it rises.
Oven - To preheat and bake the vatrushkas.

Recipe variations

Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Adding different flavors to the filling such as lemon zest, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
Replacing the quark cheese with ricotta or cream cheese.
Adding fruit preserves or fresh fruit as a filling variation.
Making a savory version by using a filling of sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, or cooked minced meat.
Adding a streusel topping made of sugar, flour, and butter for a crunchy texture.
Experimenting with different shapes for the pastry, such as folding the edges to create a more decorative look.
Using a different sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
Adding a drizzle of icing or powdered sugar on top for added sweetness.
Including chopped nuts or raisins in the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Recipe overview

Vatrushka is a traditional Eastern European pastry, known for its distinctive ring shape filled with creamy cheese. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating your own homemade Vatrushkas, perfect for a sweet breakfast treat or a delicious dessert. Expect to create a soft, yeasty dough that is left to rise, before being shaped and filled with a sweet quark cheese filling. The Vatrushkas are then baked until they are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside, but still soft and filled with a creamy, sweet cheese filling on the inside. This recipe is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort!

Common questions

How long does it take for the dough to rise? The dough usually takes about 2 hours to double in size during the rising process.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of quark cheese? Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese for quark cheese in this recipe.
How should I store the vatrushka? The vatrushka can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Can I freeze the vatrushka? Yes, you can freeze the vatrushka. Make sure to wrap each individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Can I add any toppings or glaze to the vatrushka? While traditionally vatrushka is served without any toppings or glaze, you can dust them with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
What can I serve vatrushka with? Vatrushka is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey for added flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients and kneading the dough.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - For accurately measuring the ingredients.
Baking Tray - A flat tray used for baking the vatrushkas in the oven.
Parchment Paper - To line the baking tray and prevent sticking.
Spoon or Spatula - For mixing the dough and filling.
Kitchen Towel - To cover the dough while it rises.
Oven - To bake the vatrushkas to perfection.

Origin stories

Vatrushka, a charming circle of dough with a sweet or savory filling, is a beloved staple in Slavic cuisine. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient ritualistic offerings to Slavic pagan gods. The circular shape of the Vatrushka, often filled with cheese or fruit, symbolized the sun. Over time, this dish made a seamless transition from a religious offering to a popular everyday treat, warming the hearts and hearths of many families across Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Its humble yet versatile nature allows it to morph from a simple breakfast item to an exquisite dessert, narrating stories of shared meals, family traditions, and a rich cultural heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.