Sweet Cottage Cheese Varenyky Recipe with Vanilla

Name: Sweet Cottage Cheese Varenyky Recipe with Vanilla
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 30 dumplings
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 500 g all-purpose flour; 1 whole large egg for dough; 220 ml warm water; 1/2 tsp salt; 500 g cottage cheese, well drained; 1 whole large egg for filling; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 30 g butter for serving; 120 g sour cream for serving

These Ukrainian dumplings wrap a lightly sweet cottage cheese filling in soft, elastic dough.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 5 minMakes 30 dumplings

Jump to Recipe

These Ukrainian dumplings wrap a lightly sweet cottage cheese filling in soft, elastic dough. Drain wet cheese before mixing so the filling stays inside, and rest the dough before rolling it thin. Pinch every crescent firmly and cook in batches so the water keeps a gentle boil. The varenyky are ready a few minutes after they float. Toss with butter and serve with sour cream. Mix flour and salt, add dough egg and warm water and knead until smooth; cover and rest 30 minutes. Mix drained cottage cheese with filling egg, sugar and vanilla until combined. Roll dough 2 to 3 mm thick, cut 8 cm circles, add a teaspoon of filling, fold and pinch edges firmly.

Sweet Cottage Cheese Varenyky Recipe with Vanilla

How to tell when it is ready

Toss with butter and serve hot with sour cream.

Tips

Mix flour and salt, add dough egg and warm water and knead until smooth.
Mix drained cottage cheese with filling egg, sugar and vanilla until combined.
Roll dough 2 to 3 mm thick, cut 8 cm circles, add a teaspoon of filling, fold and pinch edges firmly.
Cook in batches in gently boiling salted water for 3 to 5 minutes after they float.

Troubleshooting

If dumplings open, use less filling and seal dry edges.
If dough springs back, rest it longer.

Substitutions

Use farmer cheese for cottage cheese.
Use milk in place of water for a softer dough.

Variations

Use a savory cheese filling with herbs.
Add lemon zest to the sweet filling.

Serving suggestions

Add sour cream.
Drizzle with melted butter.
Serve with berry compote.
Dust lightly with sugar.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate cooked dumplings up to 2 days; freeze uncooked dumplings in a single layer, then bag for up to 2 months.

Storage

Refrigerate cooked dumplings up to 2 days; freeze uncooked dumplings in a single layer, then bag for up to 2 months.

Food safety

Use pasteurized dairy if needed and cook egg filling until dumplings are hot through.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know sweet cottage cheese varenyky is ready?

Toss with butter and serve hot with sour cream.

How should I store sweet cottage cheese varenyky?

Refrigerate cooked dumplings up to 2 days; freeze uncooked dumplings in a single layer, then bag for up to 2 months.

Add sour cream. Refrigerate cooked dumplings up to 2 days; freeze uncooked dumplings in a single layer, then bag for up to 2 months.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Sweet Cottage Cheese Varenyky Recipe with Vanilla