Sochniki (Sweet Cheese Cookies) – Soft, Fluffy & Filled With Sweet Cheese

Yield: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes

Sochniki are classic Eastern European cookies made with a tender, buttery dough folded around a lightly sweet cheese filling. They’re soft, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make — perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a cozy dessert.

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Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Sweet Cheese Filling

• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt until light and creamy.
3. Add one whole egg and mix well.
4. Separate the second egg — add the egg white to the dough and save the egg yolk for brushing later.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix, then gently knead until a smooth, firm dough forms.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

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2. Make the Filling

1. Blend the cottage cheese with an immersion blender for a smoother texture (or mash with a fork).
2. Add the egg, sugar, sour cream, and flour. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
3. Set aside.

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3. Assemble the Sochniki

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Using a round or crinkle cutter, cut out 4-inch circles of dough.
4. Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each circle.
6. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, but do not seal the edges tightly — the slight opening is traditional.
7. Brush the tops with the reserved egg yolk for a shiny golden finish.

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4. Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed, lightly golden, and fragrant.
Let cool slightly… then enjoy warm or at room temperature!

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Pro Tips

• You may substitute cottage cheese with farmer’s cheese or ricotta for a smoother filling.
• Dust finished cookies with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
• These freeze well — simply reheat for a few minutes in the oven.