There’s something deeply nostalgic about baking with cottage cheese—an ingredient that has stood the test of time in kitchens across Eastern Europe and beyond. These Cottage Cheese Hand Pies with Yogurt Filling combine the charm of rustic baking with a soft, buttery dough and a creamy, lightly sweet filling. The short crust melts in your mouth, while the filling stays luscious and comforting. Whether you’re a home baker or a curious food enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a refined addition to afternoon tea.
Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Chill Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
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Total Time: 55–60 minutes
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Servings: 6–8 hand pies
Ingredients
For the Dough
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180 grams all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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80 grams cold butter
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180 grams cottage cheese (or ricotta)
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1 egg
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40 grams sugar
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1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
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A pinch of salt
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Zest of 1 lemon
For the Filling
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180 grams cottage cheese
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1 tbsp yogurt or sour cream
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40 grams sugar
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1 egg white
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1 tbsp flour
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Dough Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the flour until it resembles fine crumbs.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
To the crumbly mixture, add the cottage cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and the lemon zest. Mix everything together until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough.
3. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover it with a towel, and place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to rest and firm up.
4. Make the Filling
In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese, yogurt (or sour cream), sugar, egg white, and flour. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Pies
Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½ cm thickness. Cut into rounds or rectangles, depending on your preference. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each, fold the dough over, and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the filled pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until golden and slightly puffed.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for a finishing touch.
Nutritional Information (per hand pie, approximate)
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Calories: 200–220
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Protein: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Sugar: 7g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 1g
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Cottage cheese pies are beloved across Central and Eastern Europe, especially in countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. Known by many names—pirozhki, vareniki, or simply cheese pockets—these baked or fried treats have long been associated with home cooking, holidays, and family gatherings. They represent frugality and creativity, using simple, accessible ingredients like cottage cheese and flour to create a satisfying, memorable dish.
Today, similar versions of these hand pies are gaining popularity globally, especially among those who appreciate traditional baking and a return to natural, less processed ingredients.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Comforting & nostalgic: A recipe that reminds many of childhood and home baking
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Simple pantry ingredients: No exotic or hard-to-find items required
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Versatile snack: Serve as breakfast, dessert, or snack
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Quick to prepare: Minimal prep and baking time
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Customizable: Easily adaptable to sweet or savory fillings
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Make-ahead friendly: Great for prepping in batches and freezing
Health Benefits
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Cottage cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics, supporting bone health and digestion
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Yogurt or sour cream provides additional beneficial bacteria
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Eggs contribute high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline
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Lemon zest adds flavor and antioxidants without added calories
Serving Suggestions
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Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk or herbal tea
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Serve with fresh berries for a fruit-and-dairy combo
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Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness
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Offer alongside breakfast for a protein-rich pastry option
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Present on a dessert platter with whipped cream and jam
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overworking the dough: This can make it tough—mix just until combined
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Skipping dough chilling: Resting helps improve texture and handling
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Using too wet a filling: Drain cottage cheese if watery to avoid soggy dough
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Overfilling the pies: This causes leakage—stick to 1–2 tbsp per piece
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Not sealing properly: Use water and a fork press to ensure edges are tightly closed
Pairing Recommendations
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Drinks: Black tea, chamomile tea, hot cocoa, or espresso
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Fruits: Fresh strawberries, cherries, or baked apples
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Side dishes: Fruit salad, nut granola, or a light cucumber yogurt dip for savory twists
Cooking Tips
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Use ricotta in place of cottage cheese for a smoother texture
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Add a handful of raisins or chopped dried apricots for texture and natural sweetness
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Brush the tops with beaten egg yolk for a shiny, golden finish
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Roll dough thinly and evenly to prevent undercooked centers
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Freeze uncooked pies and bake straight from the freezer—just add a few minutes to the baking time
Similar Recipes to Try
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Russian Syrniki (Fried Cottage Cheese Pancakes)
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Polish Kolaczki (Cream Cheese Cookies with Jam)
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Hungarian Túrós Táska (Cheese-Filled Pastries)
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Italian Ricotta Hand Pies with Lemon Zest
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Baked Cheese Blintzes
Variations to Try
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Savory: Add spinach and feta to the filling
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Spiced: Mix cinnamon and nutmeg into the sweet filling
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Nutty: Fold in crushed walnuts or almonds
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Berry-filled: Add mashed blueberries or raspberries
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Vegan: Use plant-based butter, egg replacer, and vegan yogurt
Ingredient Spotlight: Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a mild, fresh cheese made from curds of pasteurized cow’s milk. High in protein and low in fat, it’s a favorite in health-conscious diets. In baking, its creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor lend themselves well to both sweet and savory dishes. It’s also a rich source of calcium, B vitamins, and phosphorus—great for bone and muscle health.
Conclusion
These Cottage Cheese Hand Pies with Yogurt Filling embody everything we love about traditional baking: simplicity, nourishment, and a touch of indulgence. Whether served warm from the oven or packed for an afternoon snack, these pies deliver delicious flavor and heartfelt comfort. From the crumbly, lemon-scented dough to the creamy center, they offer a truly satisfying treat that will keep you coming back for more.
10 Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes. Ricotta provides a smoother texture but similar flavor. It’s a great substitute.
2. Can these hand pies be frozen?
Absolutely. You can freeze them before or after baking. Just reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best texture.
3. What can I use if I don’t have yogurt or sour cream?
You can use plain kefir or even softened cream cheese as a substitute.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, though the texture will be denser. You can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose for balance.
5. My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
Add a little flour (1 tbsp at a time) while kneading until it becomes manageable.
6. Can I make this without sugar for a savory version?
Definitely! Just omit the sugar and vanilla and add savory herbs or cheese to the filling.
7. How do I keep the filling from leaking out during baking?
Seal edges tightly with a fork and don’t overfill. Chill the assembled pies before baking.
8. What is the purpose of chilling the dough?
Chilling helps the butter firm up, resulting in a flakier, softer texture when baked.
9. Can I add fruits to the filling?
Yes! Small amounts of mashed berries or diced apples work beautifully.
10. What makes these pies healthy?
They use whole ingredients like cottage cheese, yogurt, and eggs, with relatively low sugar and fat, offering a nutrient-rich pastry without guilt.