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Vatrushka buns are a Russian/Ukrainian dessert with the filling on the outside. I’ll show you how to make these delicious treats for yourself, along with some tips and tricks I learned along the way.

Russian & Ukrainian Vantrushka buns

What are Vatrushka Buns?

Vatrushka buns are similar to a danish. They’re made with a sweet yeast dough. The buns have a well in the middle where the filling is placed. They are usually filled with Farmer’s Cheese, or Quark. Most of them are about 5 inches from one side to the other – which is the perfect size for a comforting snack.

Are Vatrushka Buns The Same as Pirozhki?

One of the most popular Eastern European sweets are Pirozhki. And lots of people call Vatrushka buns Pirozhki. Vatrushkas are one of the many types of Pirozhkis. In fact, in different regions of Eastern Europe you’ll find all sorts of different fillings inside of them.

Vantrushka breakfast pirozhki

A lot of people in Eastern Europe have memories wrapped around a pastry like this. Sometimes it’s the smell of the dough as it bakes in the oven, or the taste of the sweet cheese as it melts in their mouths.

Bake this just one time and you’ll see what I mean. You’ll be hooked!

Vatrushka Filling Options

This Vatrushka recipe is made with farmer’s cheese, you can find the recipe for Farmer’s Cheese, here. Here are some common filling options:

  • Cream cheese with different berries
  • Cherries
  • Jam
  • Farmer’s cheese with or without raisins
Vantrushka pirozhki prepared on a bowl

Can you freeze Vatrushka?

Yes, you can freeze these buns. To freeze them, make sure they’re fully baked first. Let them cool completely. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and put them in a zippered freezer bag.

They’ll stay in a freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, just take them out and put them in the refrigerator overnight.

Other Pirozhki Recipes to Try

Recipe

Vatrushka pirozhki in a bowl

Russian Creamcheese Vatrushka Buns

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Servings
30 Units
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Time to rise 2 hrs
Total Time 3 hrs
Vatrushka buns are a Russian/Ukrainian dessert with the filling on the outside. I’ll show you how to make these delicious treats for yourself, along with some tips and tricks I learned along the way.

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp yeast
  • 2 cup warm milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp oil
  • 5 cup flour (depending on the flour brand, you may need to add more)

Filling

  • 16 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • 16 oz farmers cheese (cottage cheese can be a replacement)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup golden raisins optional
US Units – Metric

Instructions

  • Combine yeast together with two cups of warm milk and one tablespoon of sugar. Let ingredients rest on a counter for about 10 minutes.
  • Add eggs, mayonnaise, salt and sugar into the mixture, whisking together to combine. 
    Dough starter in a bowl for vatrushka
  • Mix in flour using Kitchen aid mixer or a spatula, in small portions. Once the flour is all mixed in, add oil to the mixture. It's important to add oil last, as the texture of the dough turns out better. Knead the dough until it's elastic, at least for 10 minutes. Let the dough rise for about an hour.
    Vatrushka dough in a bowl
  • Cut the dough into 30 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a flattened ball. Place them next to each other, leaving enough space for it to rise. 
    Vatrushka buns dough pieces rising
  • Cover with a towel and let the buns rise for about 30 minutes. Press each bun in the center with a glass cup to form a hollow.
    Vatrushka dough for buns on a baking sheet
  • Whisk cream cheese, cottage cheese, egg and sugar together, for filling. Optionally, you can add raisins to the filling. Raisins need to be soaked in hot boiled water before combining with the cheese.
    cheese, raisins and eggs in a bowl
  • Fill each hollow with a filling. 
    Vatrushka dough with a filling on a tray
  • Bake in preheated oven at 350F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
    Vatrushka pirozhki in a bowl
Nutrition Facts
Russian Creamcheese Vatrushka Buns
Amount Per Serving
Calories 224 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 48mg 16%
Sodium 206mg 9%
Potassium 132mg 4%
Total Carbohydrates 29g 10%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 11g
Protein 7g 14%
Vitamin A 5.8%
Vitamin C 0.2%
Calcium 5.6%
Iron 7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

About Author

Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.