Watruschki with Cream Cheese Filling and Strawberry Sauce

Embark on a culinary journey with Watruschki, a delightful Russian pastry that combines the richness of cream cheese filling and the sweet tang of strawberry sauce. This dessert is a perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough and fruity goodness, making it an irresistible treat.

Why You’ll Love This:

• Creamy Indulgence: The luxurious cream cheese filling melts in your mouth.
• Fruity Flair: Strawberry sauce adds a vibrant, sweet twist.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, fluffy dough complements the creamy and fruity layers.

Perfect Occasion: Ideal for high tea, dessert at a gathering, or as a weekend baking project.

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
  • 4 cups Flour (400g)
  • 1 cup Warm Milk (200 ml)
  • 1 Egg
  • 65g Butter (room temperature)
  • 10g Instant Yeast
  • 3 tbsp Sugar (60g)
  • 1 packet Vanilla Sugar
  • A pinch of Salt
• For the Strawberry Sauce:
  • 200g Strawberries (frozen)
  • 3 tbsp Sugar
  • Juice of Half a Lemon
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • ½ cup Water
• For the Filling:
  • 200g Labneh Cheese (or Cream Cheese)
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 packet Vanilla Sugar
• Topping:
  • Egg Yolk
  • Powdered Sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Mix all dough ingredients to form a soft dough. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
2. Make Strawberry Sauce:
   • In a small pot, combine strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Cook until soft.
   • Blend the mixture, then add cornstarch mixed with water. Cook for 5 minutes until thick. Let it cool.
3. Prepare Filling:
   • Mix labneh cheese, vanilla sugar, and sugar.
4. Shape and Fill:
   • Divide dough into 8 balls. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rise for 20 minutes.
   • Press the center of each ball with a cup dipped in flour, keeping the edges intact.
   • Brush edges with egg yolk, fill the center with cheese mixture, and top with a spoonful of strawberry sauce.
5. Baking:
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes.
   • Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Note: You can substitute strawberry sauce with strawberry jam for convenience. This recipe promises a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that’s sure to please any dessert enthusiast.