Homemade Cherry Vareniki Recipe: Sweet Pillows of Joy

Delightful cherry vareniki dance between sweet nostalgia and culinary creativity, promising a journey through traditional ukrainian comfort.

Soft dumplings cradle ripe fruit with tender precision.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable craft across eastern european kitchens.

Plump cherries nestle inside delicate dough pockets, waiting to burst with intense flavor.

Memories of summer orchards and grandmother’s wisdom infuse each carefully crafted morsel.

Crisp edges and juicy centers create a symphony of textures you’ll absolutely adore.

Prepare to savor every magical bite of this irresistible treat.

Little Secrets for Cherry Vareniki Perfection

• Aim for a soft, elastic dough that's not too sticky or dry by gradually adding water while kneading.
• Drain excess liquid from cherries to prevent soggy vareniki and ensure a concentrated fruit flavor.
• Press edges firmly with fingertips or a fork to create a tight seal and prevent filling from leaking during boiling.
• Allow dough to rest at room temperature to relax gluten, making it easier to roll and preventing tough texture.
• Top warm vareniki with sour cream, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or drizzle with honey for extra deliciousness.

Cherry Vareniki: Save for Later

• Store leftover vareniki in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place uncooked or cooked vareniki on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll keep for 2-3 months.
• Drop frozen vareniki directly into boiling salted water. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they float and heat through completely.
• Gently pan-fry refrigerated vareniki in butter over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a crispy golden exterior.

What to Eat with Cherry Vareniki

• Sweeten the Pairing with Dessert Wine: Complement the cherry vareniki's rich fruity flavor with a crisp, sweet Moscato d'Asti that enhances the cherry's natural sweetness and provides a light, effervescent contrast.
• Create Creamy Contrast with Vanilla: Top vareniki with a dollop of cold vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream, allowing the creamy texture to balance the warm, tangy cherry filling and create a luxurious dessert experience.
• Boost Flavor with Cinnamon Garnish: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or drizzle honey over the vareniki to add warm, aromatic notes that deepen the cherry's natural sweetness and provide a subtle spice undertone.
• Enhance with Almond Crunch: Garnish with toasted sliced almonds to introduce a nutty, crunchy texture that complements the soft dough and provides a delightful textural contrast to the cherry filling.

Cherry Vareniki: Fun Flavors to Try

• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use xanthan gum to improve dough elasticity and texture.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water. Use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Select tart cherries to maintain natural flavor while cutting down on added sugars.
• Frozen Cherry Alternative: When fresh cherries aren't available, use frozen pitted cherries. Thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing with sweetener to prevent soggy dough.

FAQs

• What are vareniki?

Vareniki are traditional Ukrainian dumplings filled with various sweet or savory ingredients, similar to pierogi, typically made with a soft wheat flour dough and stuffed with fruits, cheese, or potatoes.

• Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw and drain them completely before mixing with sugar to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

• How do I prevent vareniki from breaking while boiling?

Ensure edges are pinched tightly and completely sealed. Use a slotted spoon to gently lower dumplings into water and avoid overcrowding the pot.

• Do I need special equipment to make vareniki?

No special equipment is required. You can use a simple round cookie cutter or a glass to cut dough circles, and a standard pot for boiling.

Why Cherry Vareniki Feels Like a Hug from Grandma

• Easily swap fresh cherries with frozen or canned varieties, allowing flexibility based on seasonal availability and personal preference.
• Soft, pillowy dumplings filled with sweet cherry goodness make this recipe a guaranteed hit for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or casual dessert nights.
• Learning to create these dumplings introduces home cooks to authentic Eastern European culinary techniques, elevating cooking confidence while enjoying a delicious cultural experience.

Must-Have Ingredients for Cherry Vareniki

• All-Purpose Flour: A smooth base that provides structure for the vareniki dough.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
• Lukewarm Water: Helps create a soft and pliable dough consistency.

• Fresh Cherries: Sweet and juicy fruit that creates the delicious core of the vareniki.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps macerate the cherries.

• Salt: Seasons the water for boiling the vareniki.
• Water: The medium for cooking the dumplings.

Step-by-Step: Making Cherry Vareniki

Step 1: Prepare Dough Base

Mix flour and salt in a mixing bowl.

Create a central well and add egg and lukewarm water.

Gently combine ingredients to form a soft, elastic dough that holds together smoothly.

Step 2: Knead and Rest Dough

Transfer dough onto a generously floured work surface.

Knead thoroughly for 5-7 minutes until texture becomes smooth and uniform.

Wrap dough completely in plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes, which helps develop gluten and improves dough elasticity.

Step 3: Create Cherry Filling

• Chopped fresh cherries
• Granulated sugar

Mix ingredients until cherries are evenly coated and release their natural juices.

Step 4: Shape Vareniki Dumplings

Roll out rested dough on a floured surface until approximately 1/8 inch thick.

Use a round pastry cutter to create uniform circular dough pieces.

Step 5: Fill and Seal Dumplings

Place one tablespoon of cherry filling in the center of each dough circle.

Carefully fold dough over to create a half-moon shape.

Firmly pinch edges together using fingertips to create a tight, secure seal preventing filling from leaking during cooking.

Step 6: Cook Vareniki

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.

Carefully drop prepared dumplings into boiling water.

Cook until vareniki float to the surface, which typically takes around 3 minutes.

Remove with a slotted spoon and serve warm.

Cherry Vareniki Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet Polish dumplings called cherry vareniki showcase summer’s ripest fruit nestled in delicate, tender dough. Culinary traditions from Eastern Europe shine through this simple yet elegant dessert that connects generations with each handcrafted bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) lukewarm water

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups (340 g) fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar

Garnish/Additional Ingredients:

(None specified in the original recipe)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flour mixture by combining dry ingredients, then create a central cavity to incorporate egg and lukewarm water, gently mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
2. Transfer dough to a lightly dusted surface and methodically knead for 5-7 minutes, developing a smooth, elastic texture. Wrap in plastic and allow to relax at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes.
3. While dough rests, prepare cherry filling by combining finely chopped cherries with granulated sugar, stirring to distribute sweetness evenly.
4. Utilize a rolling pin to transform dough into a thin sheet approximately 1/8 inch thick, ensuring uniform thickness across the surface.
5. Employ a circular cutter to precision-cut dough into uniform rounds, creating the base for each vareniki.
6. Position a measured portion of cherry mixture at the center of each dough circle, then carefully fold and seal edges, creating a half-moon shape with secure, crimped borders.
7. Gently lower vareniki into a pot of gently boiling, salted water, cooking until they gracefully ascend to the surface, typically requiring about 3 minutes of cooking time.
8. Remove dumplings with a slotted spoon, allowing excess water to drain, and serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and flavor.

Notes

• Use very ripe cherries for maximum sweetness and intense fruit flavor in the filling.
• When kneading dough, add flour gradually to prevent sticking and achieve perfect elasticity.
• Create uniform dumpling sizes by using a consistent round cutter or drinking glass rim.
• For gluten-free option, substitute wheat flour with almond or rice flour blend.
• Seal edges completely to prevent filling from leaking during boiling.
• Drain dumplings immediately after cooking to maintain ideal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Serve with sour cream, honey, or powdered sugar for enhanced taste experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Ukrainian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 217
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 126 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg