Pierogi are a cornerstone of Polish culinary heritage. Sweet cheese pierogi offer a delicious, unique experience. These dumplings, filled with sweet, creamy cheese, are perfect as a dessert or a satisfying main course. This post explores sweet cheese pierogi. We will cover everything from cheese and fruit options to serving suggestions and easy-to-follow recipes.
What are Pierogi?
Pierogi are a beloved traditional Polish dish consisting of dumplings made from unleavened dough. These versatile treats can be filled with a variety of ingredients, both sweet and savory, such as cheese, meat, or fruits. Typically, pierogi are boiled until they float and sometimes pan-fried for added texture. The plural form of pierogi is “pierogi,” while the singular form is “pieróg.” You might also encounter variations of the name, including pierogis, perogy, pyrogy, perogies, perogis, and pierogies, reflecting the dish’s widespread popularity and regional adaptations.
What Makes Sweet Cheese Pierogi Special?
Sweet cheese pierogi are special within the broad category of pierogi. These half-moon-shaped treats use unleavened dough. They are boiled until they float. Savory pierogi use fillings like potatoes, cheese, meat, or sauerkraut. Sweet cheese pierogi, however, have a filling of sweetened farmer’s cheese, a type of curd cheese often enhanced with vanilla.
Sweet cheese pierogi have a rich history in Poland, with roots stretching back to the 17th century. Pierogi are thought to have come to Poland from the Far East, through Ukraine. They developed into many regional and seasonal types. Sweet cheese pierogi became popular for holidays and special events.
These pierogi are very versatile. They can be a main course, a dessert, or a side dish. Some even eat them as a midday snack. In Poland, they’re commonly served with melted butter, sour cream, or a dusting of sugar. For a sweeter taste, add whipped cream, fruit syrups, or fresh fruit. This makes them a truly decadent dessert.
Choosing the Right Curd Cheese for Your Pierogi
The cheese is the star of sweet cheese pierogi. Farmer’s cheese, known as twaróg in Polish, is a type of curd cheese and the most traditional choice. This cheese offers a firm but creamy texture. Its slightly sour flavor balances the sweetness of the filling.
If you can’t find farmer’s cheese, consider these substitutes:
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it’s a common alternative.
- Dry Curd Cottage Cheese: Similar to farmer’s cheese, but may need an extra egg for binding.
- Mascarpone Cheese: Rich and creamy, for a more luxurious filling.
- Cream Cheese: Easily available; mix with cooked rice for a firmer texture.
The Sweet Cheese Filling
The sweet cheese filling is a standout favorite among pierogi enthusiasts. Made primarily with farmer cheese, this filling offers a delightful balance of creamy texture and sweet flavor. If farmer cheese is unavailable, well-drained ricotta cheese can serve as a substitute, though it will impart a slightly different taste. This filling is a fantastic choice for both desserts and appetizers, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. To prepare the filling, you’ll need 1/2 teaspoon salt, 4 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1 pound of farmer cheese. This recipe yields enough filling for approximately 36 pierogies, ensuring you have plenty to share.
Preparing the Pierogi
To prepare the pierogi, start by combining the dough ingredients in a large bowl and mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 6 minutes until it becomes silky smooth and soft. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and set it aside for 20 minutes to rest. Next, divide the dough into 2-3 parts. Roll out one part on a lightly floured surface as thinly as possible, aiming for a thickness of 2-3 mm. Use a 3-3 1/2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out rounds. Gather the dough scraps, shape them into a ball, re-roll, and wrap in plastic. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of the sweet cheese filling in the center of each round. Brush the edges with water, fold over, and seal the wrapper shut by pressing the edges down with the tines of a fork.
Fruit Pairings for Sweet Cheese Pierogi
Sweet cheese pierogi are great on their own. Adding fruit, however, adds new flavors and textures. Berries are popular, especially blueberries, strawberries, and cherries. Their small size and texture work well in pierogi fillings. It’s common to add potato starch or flour to fruit fillings. This thickens juices and keeps the dough from getting soggy.
- Blueberries: Small and sweet, use them fresh or frozen.
- Strawberries: Sweet and slightly tart, used whole, halved, or sliced.
- Cherries: Sweet or tart, always use pitted cherries.
- Plums: Offers a range of flavors. They are often used in jam or compote form.
Peaches and nectarines can also be used. For larger fruits, chop them small or use them in a jam or compote. For a truly Polish taste, try wild blueberries (bilberries). They have a stronger flavor than cultivated blueberries. Many enjoy combining farmer’s cheese with fruit for a complex filling. The flavor possibilities are vast!
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Cheese Pierogi
There are many ways to serve sweet cheese pierogi. Here are some popular ideas:
- Classic: Toss with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. This simple approach is very satisfying.
- With Sour Cream: Add a dollop of cool sour cream for a tangy contrast. Sweeten the sour cream with sugar or honey for extra sweetness.
- Fruity: Add fresh fruit, fruit syrup, or fruit compote. The mix of sweet cheese and fruit creates a wonderful flavor.
- Decadent: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This creates a dessert-like treat.
- Savory Touch: Serve with caramelized onions for a unique flavor. The onions’ sweetness complements the cheese, adding a savory note.
- Polish Buttered Breadcrumbs: For a Polish touch, top with buttered breadcrumbs. Melt butter in a pan, add breadcrumbs, and cook until golden. Sprinkle with sugar for extra sweetness.
Recipes for Sweet Cheese and Dessert Pierogi
Here are some pierogi recipes, ranging from traditional sweet cheese to other dessert variations:
Sweet Cheese Pierogi with Mascarpone Filling
Dough Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
Cheese Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix pierogi dough ingredients in a large bowl until a ball forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes on a floured surface.
- Rest the dough for 30 minutes, covered.
- Combine cheese filling ingredients in a bowl.
- Roll out dough and cut into 3-4 inch circles.
- Put a tablespoon of filling in each circle’s center.
- Wet the edges and fold the dough to make a half-circle.
- Pinch edges with fingers or a fork to seal.
- Boil pierogi in salted water until they float.
- Fry pierogi in butter or oil until golden brown.
- Serve with sour cream and/or jam.
Dutch Apple Pierogi
Filling Ingredients:
- ¾-1½ oz. sugar
- 1½ oz. brown sugar
- 1 oz. all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp allspice
- 2 lbs Northern Spy apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2½ tsp lemon juice
- Zest from ½ lemon
- 1¼ oz. raisins
- ¼ oz. butter, cut into small pieces
Crumb Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 oz. all-purpose flour
- 1½ oz. sugar
- 1½ oz. brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats
- ¼ rounded tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1½ oz. cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 oz. walnuts or almonds, ground
Dough Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Mix sugars, flour, spices, apples, lemon juice and zest, and raisins.
- Put filling in a baking dish, dot with butter, cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, lower heat to 375°F, bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove foil, bake until apples are tender, about 10 more minutes.
- Cool filling completely.
- For crumb garnish, preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix flour, sugars, oats, spices, and butter.
- Stir in ground nuts.
- Bake on a lined baking sheet until golden, about 16 minutes.
- Cool and make into crumbs.
- For dough, mix all ingredients in a stand mixer and knead.
- Divide dough into four pieces, wrap in plastic.
- Roll out dough, cut circles, fill with cooled apple filling. Gather the remaining dough, combine with scraps, and re-roll to create more pierogi.
- Fold and seal edges.
- Boil pierogi until they float.
- Fry in butter until golden brown.
- Serve with sour cream or crème fraîche, sprinkle with crumb garnish.
Blueberry Pierogi Filling
Dough Ingredients:
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup cool water
Instructions:
- Mix flour, eggs, sour cream, salt, and oil.
- Add water, knead until smooth.
- Roll out dough, cut 3-inch circles.
- Place 2 tablespoons of fresh blueberries on each circle.
- Sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Fold and seal.
- Cook in boiling water for 10 minutes per batch.
- Cool on a sheet pan.
- Serve with sour cream and sugar.
Cooking Methods
Boiling is the usual way to cook sweet cheese pierogi. However, other methods add different textures and flavors:
- Boiling: Cook pierogi in boiling salted water until they float. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pierogi from the boiling water to ensure they remain intact. This ensures the dough is cooked and the filling is hot.
- Frying: After boiling, pan-fry in butter or oil until golden and crispy. This adds crunch and enhances flavor.
- Steaming: For a lighter choice, steam the pierogi. This keeps the dough’s texture delicate and prevents it from getting waterlogged.
Storing and Freezing
Leftover pierogi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, cooked pierogi can be frozen. To do this, place the pierogi on a cookie sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other, and put them in the freezer until frozen. Once frozen, transfer the pierogi to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can be stored for up to two to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can thaw and cook the frozen pierogi as needed, making them a convenient option for quick meals.
Pierogi in Polish Culture
Pierogi hold a special place in Polish cuisine and culture, often served at family gatherings and special occasions. These versatile dumplings can be made sweet or savory, catering to a wide range of tastes. In Poland, pierogi are typically enjoyed with melted butter, sour cream, or fried onions. Sweet cheese pierogi are a popular dessert option, while savory versions are often filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese. Pierogi are also a staple during holidays such as Christmas and Easter, symbolizing hospitality and a warm welcome to guests. Whether served as a main course, dessert, or snack, pierogi are a cherished part of Polish culinary tradition.
Conclusion
Sweet cheese pierogi demonstrate the delicious versatility of Polish food. They mix sweet and savory flavors. They are perfect for any time: a main course, a dessert, or a snack. These pierogi are a treat for everyone.
You can use various cheeses and fruits for the filling. This allows for endless creativity. Traditional farmer’s cheese, creamy ricotta, or rich mascarpone each adds a unique touch. Fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and cherries enhance the taste further. They create a mix of flavors and textures.
You can explore and purchase a variety of pierogi, including sweet cheese options, at Polka Deli. Feel free to buy pierogi online and experience these authentic flavors.
With many serving options and cooking methods, you can adjust sweet cheese pierogi to your liking. Whether you like them simple with butter and sugar or fancy with whipped cream and fruit, there’s a version for you. The recipes here are a starting point. Don’t hesitate to try different fillings, toppings, and cooking methods. Create your own unique sweet cheese pierogi.
