Cheese pies

Sweet Cheese Pie Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5-10 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16 pies

Who doesn’t love warm pies filled with delicious sweet cheese? These cheese pies are a perfect choice for a hearty breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert. With a fluffy texture and an inviting aroma, sweet cheese pies have a rich history, being made over time in various forms and with different fillings. Every housewife has her unique recipe, and today I will share my secret to getting the most delicious pies.

Ingredients for the dough:
- 200 ml warm milk
- 50 g melted and cooled butter
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 1 egg
- 550 g flour

Ingredients for the filling:
- 450 g sweet cheese (preferably cow cheese)
- 1 egg
- 4-5 tablespoons sugar (depending on preferences)
- Raisins (optional, to taste)
- Vanilla sugar
- Rum essence
- Lemon juice

Ingredients for brushing:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons milk

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Dissolving the yeast:
In a small bowl, add the warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and dissolve the cube of fresh yeast. Add a tablespoon of sugar and two tablespoons of flour. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as the yeast needs to be activated to achieve a fluffy dough.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, lightly beat the egg and add the oil, remaining sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar. Mix well. Add the yeast mixture, then start incorporating the flour. Gradually add a cup of flour, stirring constantly, then add half of the melted butter. Continue adding flour and butter, mixing well after each addition, until you obtain a soft and homogeneous dough.

3. Kneading the dough:
On a floured work surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as you want a soft dough.

4. Letting it rise:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: in a bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the egg, sugar, raisins (if using), vanilla sugar, rum essence, and lemon juice. This combination will give the filling a delicious and aromatic taste.

6. Forming the pies:
After the dough has risen, divide it into two parts. Roll each part into a thin sheet (if you prefer smaller pies, roll the sheets thinner). Cut the sheets into squares and place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square. Fold the edges to form envelope-shaped pies or small bundles, making sure to seal them well.

7. Letting them rise for filling:
Place the formed pies in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, facing down, and let them rise for 20 minutes, covered with a towel.

8. Brushing and baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a small bowl, beat the two egg yolks with the 2 tablespoons of milk. Brush the pies with the mixture obtained, then sprinkle sugar on top for a glossy appearance and a delicious crust. Bake the pies for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden and nicely browned.

9. Serving:
After the pies are baked, let them cool slightly before enjoying. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature. They can be served plain or with a little sour cream or yogurt.

Serving suggestions:
For a touch of refinement, you can serve the pies with a vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly with this dessert.

Tips and variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add chocolate or candied fruits to the filling. Also, if you prefer a tangier taste, try adding a little yogurt to the filling.

Nutritional benefits:
Sweet cheese pies are a good source of protein, due to the cheese content. They also contain carbohydrates from the flour, providing energy. However, it is important to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sheep cheese instead of cow cheese?
Yes, sheep cheese can add a different and aromatic flavor to the pies.

2. How can I make the pies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and use slightly salty cheese.

3. Can the pies be frozen?
Yes, baked pies can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.

4. How long can I keep the pies?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the pies last for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, it is recommended to freeze them.

These sweet cheese pies are not only easy to make but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of joy to your day. Don’t hesitate to try them and customize them to your taste! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 200 ml warm milk, 50 g melted and cooled butter, 5 tablespoons of sugar, a pinch of salt, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 3 tablespoons of oil, 1 cube of fresh yeast, 1 egg, 550 g flour, for filling: 450 g sweet cheese, 1 egg, 4-5 tablespoons of sugar, raisins, vanilla sugar, rum essence, lemon juice... for brushing: 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of milk.

 Tags:  milk sweet cheese