Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lazy Pierogi is the perfect shortcut for those who love pierogi but don’t want to spend hours making and filling each dumpling. This recipe eliminates the time-consuming task of stuffing each dough pocket, while still delivering all the classic pierogi flavor. The cheese filling is perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness, and when topped with sour cream and a little sugar, it becomes an irresistible dish. It’s a satisfying meal or dessert that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Lazy Pierogi Dough:
- 3 cups well-drained farmer’s cheese (tvorog), packed (extra whey drained if needed)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
To Serve:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Make the Lazy Pierogi Dough:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl (or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment), combine the farmer’s cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, and flour. Mix until the dough comes together. It may be a bit sticky, which is normal. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it will make the pierogi heavier.
- Test the Dough: To check the dough’s texture, rip off a small marble-sized piece, roll it into a ball, and drop it into the boiling water. Once it floats, cook it for 1 minute. Taste the dumpling—if it holds its shape well, don’t add more flour. If it’s too soft and falls apart, add a few tablespoons of flour and test again until the texture is right. The ideal dumpling should be soft but hold its shape.
Shape the Pierogis:
- Roll the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 4 even pieces. Roll each piece into a ¾-inch thick rope, adding flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
- Cut the Pierogi: Cut the dough rope into ½-inch pieces. The pieces will almost double in size when cooked, so don’t worry if they seem small initially.
Cook the Pierogi:
- Boil the Pierogi: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, filling it about ¾ full. Drop the pieces of dough (in batches, if necessary) into the boiling water. Gently stir immediately to prevent them from sticking. Once they float to the top, cook them for about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will dissolve in the water. Once done, remove them with a slotted spoon or colander and transfer them to a bowl.
- Add Butter: Toss the cooked pierogi with 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to keep them from sticking.
Serve:
- Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional). Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Serve the Pierogi: Spoon the sweetened sour cream mixture over the lazy pierogi, or serve with a dollop of your favorite jam or fresh berries for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings (12 pieces per serving)
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Filling: If you want to turn these into a dessert, add fruit fillings like mashed berries, apple, or cherry between the dough layers.
- Savory Version: For a savory take, you can add cooked mushrooms, potatoes, or sautéed onions to the dough or filling mixture.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and coconut or almond milk to make the dough dairy-free.
Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked lazy pierogi by laying them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To cook, just drop them directly into boiling water without thawing.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of farmer’s cheese?
Yes, if you can’t find farmer’s cheese (tvorog), you can use ricotta cheese, though the texture might be a little creamier. Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the ricotta.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before shaping and cooking the pierogi.
Can I use a different topping for the pierogi?
Certainly! While the sour cream mixture with sugar is traditional, you can also serve the pierogi with honey, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet treat.
How do I know if the dough is the right consistency?
The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. When tested in the boiling water, it should hold its shape without falling apart.
Can I make these pierogi without a mixer?
Yes, you can mix the dough by hand in a large bowl using a wooden spoon or a fork until it comes together.
Conclusion
These Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of classic pierogi without the hassle of filling and shaping individual dumplings. With a soft, fluffy dough and a deliciously simple topping of sweetened sour cream, these pierogi are sure to be a family favorite. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or as a comforting treat, this recipe brings the irresistible flavor of pierogi to your table in just 30 minutes!
Print
Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (12 pieces per serving)
Description
Lazy Pierogi (Lazy Varenyky) is a simplified, faster version of the classic stuffed dumplings, featuring a soft, fluffy dough and a farmer’s cheese filling, topped with sweetened sour cream.
Ingredients
For the Lazy Pierogi Dough:
3 cups well-drained farmer’s cheese (tvorog), packed
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
To Serve:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup full-fat sour cream
3 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Make the Lazy Pierogi Dough: Mix farmer’s cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, and flour in a large bowl until dough forms. Test dough by cooking a small piece in boiling water. Adjust flour if necessary.
- Shape the Pierogis: Divide dough into 4 pieces, roll into ropes, and cut into ½-inch pieces.
- Cook the Pierogi: Boil the pieces in water until they float (about 1 minute). Remove with a slotted spoon, then toss with melted butter.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture: Mix sour cream, sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl.
- Serve the Pierogi: Spoon the sweetened sour cream over the lazy pierogi, or serve with jam or fresh berries.
Notes
If you prefer fruit filling, you can add mashed berries, apple, or cherries between the dough layers.
For a savory version, try adding cooked mushrooms, potatoes, or sautéed onions to the dough or filling mixture.
Dairy-free options can be made using dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut or almond milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Ukrainian, Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (3 pieces)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
