If you’ve ever craved something sweet, comforting, and a little bit nostalgic, this Cherry Vareniki (Cherry Pierogi) Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These delightful dumplings are filled with juicy cherries that burst in your mouth, wrapped in a tender, pillowy dough that’s surprisingly simple to make. Each bite balances tart and sweet beautifully, making it a perfect dessert or a unique treat to share. Plus, this recipe carries a lovely tradition, inviting you to bring a taste of Eastern European comfort right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a vital role – the dough provides a soft, chewy canvas, while the cherries add vibrant color and fresh flavor, and a touch of sugar brings out their natural sweetness.
- Vareniky Dough: This is the foundation of your vareniki, soft and pliable, perfect for holding the cherry filling without breaking.
- 1 lb pitted cherries: Fresh or thawed, these provide juicy sweetness and a beautiful pop of color inside each pierogi.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Carefully measured to sweeten the cherries just right, enhancing their natural tartness.
- 1/2 tablespoon salt: Added to the boiling water to season the cooking liquid for the vareniki, giving them a subtle flavor boost.
How to Make Cherry Vareniki (Cherry Pierogi) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by making the vareniky dough according to your favorite recipe or use the one linked from this recipe (http://bit.ly/pierogidough). Roll it out thinly on a floured surface, aiming for a roundness that’s perfect for filling. It should be tender yet firm enough to hold the filling without tearing.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a bowl, combine the pitted cherries with sugar, mixing gently to combine. Let the mix sit for a few minutes so the sugar melts into the cherries, drawing out their juicy essence.
Step 3: Assemble the Vareniki
Using a glass or cutter, cut dough into circular rounds. Place a spoonful of the cherry mixture into the center of each dough round. Be careful not to overfill, or the dough might burst during cooking. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal the filling inside.
Step 4: Cook the Vareniki
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop the vareniki in batches so they have room to float freely. Cook them until they begin to float to the surface, then let them cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to ensure the dough is fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked vareniki and drain well. Arrange them on a plate, ready for your favorite garnishes or sides.
How to Serve Cherry Vareniki (Cherry Pierogi) Recipe
Garnishes
These cherry vareniki become extraordinary with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle lightly melted butter or sweetened sour cream on top to add richness and a velvety texture.
Side Dishes
Pair your cherry vareniki with fresh fruit compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing and indulgent finish. A simple cup of herbal tea or coffee can also complement the flavors beautifully, balancing the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these pierogi in colorful bowls to showcase their bright cherry filling. For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed toasted almonds or cinnamon on top. You can even transform them into a layered dessert by layering vareniki with yogurt and fresh berries in a glass parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover vareniki should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days while maintaining their flavor and texture, making them perfect for a quick snack or dessert the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, place uncooked vareniki on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and cooked straight from frozen by dropping them into boiling water.
Reheating
Reheat cooked vareniki by gently warming them in a pan with a little butter or briefly microwaving them, covered, until heated through. This helps retain that soft texture and ensures the filling is perfectly warmed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries in this Cherry Vareniki (Cherry Pierogi) Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well; just make sure to thaw and drain them a bit to prevent excess moisture from making the dough soggy.
Is it possible to make the dough gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the wheat flour in the dough recipe; however, the texture might be slightly different, so handle carefully but you’ll still get delicious vareniki.
How do I prevent the vareniki from sticking together when boiling?
Cook them in batches with plenty of water, stir gently after adding them to the boiling water, and avoid overcrowding the pot. A little oil in the water is not necessary and can affect texture.
Can I make these vareniki savory instead of sweet?
Definitely! While this recipe focuses on cherries, the dough can be filled with a variety of savory fillings like potatoes, cheese, or mushrooms, making it a versatile dish.
What is the best way to seal the vareniki edges?
Pinch the edges firmly with your fingers or press with a fork for a decorative seal. Make sure there are no gaps so the filling stays inside during cooking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cherry Vareniki (Cherry Pierogi) Recipe is such a joyful experience, from the first roll of dough to that very first heavenly bite. It’s a dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and that cozy feeling of homemade tradition to your table. Give it a try—you’ll feel like you’re sharing a cherished family secret with every delicious dumpling you make.
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Cherry Vareniki (Cherry Pierogi) Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Vareniki are traditional Eastern European dumplings filled with sweet cherries, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors wrapped in tender dough. This recipe guides you through making the classic vareniki dough, filling it with fresh, pitted cherries and sugar, and boiling them to perfection. Serve them as a dessert or a sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vareniky Dough
- Vareniky dough (refer to the recipe at http://bit.ly/pierogidough)
Filling
- 1 lb pitted cherries
- 1/2 cup sugar (approximately 1/4 teaspoon per each dough round)
Boiling
- 1/2 tablespoon salt (for the boiling water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Follow the provided link to prepare fresh vareniky dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness, and use a round cutter to create dough circles.
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: Pit the cherries completely. In a bowl, toss the pitted cherries with sugar, mixing gently to combine. This will sweeten the filling and help release some juices during cooking.
- Assemble the Vareniki: Place a spoonful of the cherry and sugar mixture in the center of each dough round. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and carefully press the edges together to seal, ensuring no filling leaks out. You can crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a decorative, secure seal.
- Boil the Vareniki: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Carefully drop the vareniki into the boiling water in batches without overcrowding. When they float to the surface, cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the dough is cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the vareniki from the water and let them drain. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or melted butter if desired. Enjoy the tender dumplings with sweet cherry filling as a comforting dessert or snack.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are fully pitted to avoid any unpleasant bites.
- Seal the dough edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during boiling.
- You can adjust the sugar quantity based on the tartness of cherries.
- Serve with sour cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
- Vareniki dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before use.
