Sochniki are sweet cottage cheese cakes. They are crumbly shortbread cookies that are crispy on the outside, filled with a creamy cheese filling. These traditional Russian cookies are a favorite of little ones 😋
What are Sochniki
These Sweet Cheese Cookies are inspired by the traditional Sochniki. Sochniki are a classic Russian or Ukrainian pastry that are very popular. Traditionally they were very large and filled with a farmer’s cheese filling.
Sochniki started in Russia with the dough which was originally made into scones. Eventually Russians started stuffing the dough with a cheese mixture. They were widely produced in the former USSR as they were cheap and simple to make. Sochniki are still extremely popular in Russia and can be found in most grocery stores, but making them from scratch is so much better.
These sweet cheese cookies are the perfect combination of crispy and creamy. Assembling the cookies is similar to making dumplings, as you form delicious filled cookie pockets.
How to Make Sochniki
Making Sochniki is so easy and you can get kids involved for the assembly. Start by making the creamy cheese filling and simple cookie dough. Assemble the cookies, bake, and enjoy!
- Make the Filling – Mix together the cream cheese, farmer’s cheese, egg, and sugar until creamy and combined.
- Make the Cookie Dough – Whisk together the butter, eggs, and sugar. Whisk in part of the flour, baking powder, and salt. Finally, slowly mix in the remaining flour until the dough forms.
- Form Sochniki – Roll the cookie dough to ¼ inch thick pieces. Cut into circles — about 3 inches in diameter. Add a dollop of the cheese filling to one side of the dough circles, and fold the dough over the filling.
- Bake Sochniki – Brush the tops of the sochniki with the whisked egg, and sprinkle them with sugar. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cookies are crispy.
Cheese For Sochniki
The best filling for Sochniki is when you combine cream cheese with cottage cheese (tvorog in Russia). You can also use ricotta or farmer cheese. If you use cottage cheese, you may need to remove some of the excess liquid.
Making Sochniki in Advance
This Sochniki recipe makes about 80 biscuits, so you may have some leftovers. Here are the best ways to store them:
- Room Temperature – store the leftover sweet cheese cookies in an airtight container. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
- Freezer – the leftover sweet cheese cookies can also be frozen. You can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. The frozen cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. The frozen cookies can be thawed at room temperature.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 16 oz cottage cheese room temperature
- 2 lb farmers cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups Unsalted Butter room temperature
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 6 cups flour (depending on the brand you may need less or more flour)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg topping
- 1/2 cup sugar topping
Instructions:
- For the filling, mix together the cotta cheese, egg, and sugar in a bowl.
- Set the filling aside as you make the cookie dough.
- In a bowl, combine the butter, eggs, and sugar. Whisk it together until well combined.
- To the whisked ingredients, add 2 cups of flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Continue adding a few cups of flour into the mixture, until it is combined into a dough.
- Roll out the dough into 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into circles — about 3 inches in diameter.
- Place the cheese filling on half of the dough circles and fold the dough over, covering the cheese filling.
- Whisk the egg in a bowl. Use it to brush the cookie tops and sprinkle them with sugar.
- Bake it at 400°F, for about 15 minutes or until the cookies are crispy.
Nutrition Facts
Sweet Cheese Cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 138Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 32mg11%
Sodium 137mg6%
Potassium 39mg1%
Carbohydrates 13g4%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 235IU5%
Calcium 17mg2%
Iron 0.6mg3%
