Discover how to make authentic Russian Pirozhki with our easy recipe. These small, flaky pastries are perfect for any occasion and can be filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, including savory meats, fresh vegetables, or sweet fillings. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a tasty snack, Pirozhki are sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide to bake your own batch of these mouthwatering treats.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

 - 1 cup warm milk

 - ¼ cup sugar

 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

 - 1 egg

 - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

 - ½ teaspoon salt

For the Meat Filling:

 - 1 cup ground beef or pork

 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Vegetable Filling:

 - 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms

 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheese

For the Sweet Filling:

 - 1 cup fruit jam or preserves (e.g., raspberry, apricot)

 - 1 tablespoon sugar (if the jam is not sweet enough)

For Brushing:

 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg.

  - Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Fillings:

  - For the meat filling: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add the ground meat, cook until browned, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley if using.

  - For the vegetable filling: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add mushrooms, cook until tender, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in cheese if using.

  - For the sweet filling: If using jam, mix with sugar if needed.

Assemble the Pirozhki:

  - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small balls (about the size of a walnut). Roll each ball into a small circle.

  - Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.

  - Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake:

  - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Pirozhki are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Pirozhki, perfect for a snack or as part of a festive meal!

Nutritional Values

All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups)

  - Approximately 1,100 calories

  - 3 grams of fat

  - 225 grams of carbohydrates

  - 30 grams of protein

Benefits: Provides energy through carbohydrates and contributes to the overall structure of the dough.

Warm Milk (1 cup)

  - About 150 calories

  - 8 grams of fat

  - 12 grams of carbohydrates

  - 8 grams of protein

Benefits: Rich in calcium and vitamin D, supports bone health, and adds moisture to the dough.

Sugar (¼ cup)

  - About 200 calories

  - 0 grams of fat

  - 50 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds sweetness and aids in yeast activation.

Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, softened)

  - About 400 calories

  - 44 grams of fat

  - 0 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0.5 grams of protein

Benefits: Provides flavor and richness. Contains fat for tenderizing the dough.

Egg (1)

  - About 70 calories

  - 5 grams of fat

  - 0.6 grams of carbohydrates

  - 6 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds protein, helps with dough binding, and contributes to browning.

Active Dry Yeast (1 packet or 2 ¼ teaspoons)

  - About 21 calories

  - 0 grams of fat

  - 0 grams of carbohydrates

  - 5 grams of protein

Benefits: Essential for dough leavening. Contains B vitamins and supports energy metabolism.

Salt (½ teaspoon)

  - Minimal calories and macronutrients.

Benefits: Enhances flavor and strengthens gluten structure in the dough.

Ground Beef or Pork (1 cup)

  - Approximately 300 calories (for beef)

  - 23 grams of fat

  - 0 grams of carbohydrates

  - 25 grams of protein

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. Supports muscle growth and overall health.

Onion (1 small, finely chopped)

  - About 45 calories

  - 0.1 grams of fat

  - 11 grams of carbohydrates

  - 1 gram of protein

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin C. Supports heart health and adds flavor.

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon)

  - About 120 calories

  - 14 grams of fat

  - 0 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds flavor and helps in cooking. Provides healthy fats, but should be used in moderation.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Salt

  - Minimal sodium intake depending on amount used.

Benefits: Essential for flavor and fluid balance. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Black Pepper

  - About 6 calories (for 10-12 peppercorns)

  - 0.3 grams of fat

  - 1 gram of carbohydrates

  - 0.3 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants. May support digestion.

Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, optional)

  - About 5 calories

  - 0.1 grams of fat

  - 1 gram of carbohydrates

  - 0.3 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds freshness and flavor. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and has antioxidant properties.

Finely Chopped Mushrooms (1 cup)

  - About 15 calories

  - 0.2 grams of fat

  - 2 grams of carbohydrates

  - 2 grams of protein

Benefits: Low in calories and rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Supports immune health and provides umami flavor.

Onion (1 small, finely chopped)

  - About 45 calories

  - 0.1 grams of fat

  - 11 grams of carbohydrates

  - 1 gram of protein

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants. Supports heart health.

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon)

  - About 120 calories

  - 14 grams of fat

  - 0 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds flavor and aids in cooking.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Salt

  - Minimal sodium intake depending on amount used.

Benefits: Enhances flavor.

Black Pepper

  - About 6 calories (for 10-12 peppercorns)

  - 0.3 grams of fat

  - 1 gram of carbohydrates

  - 0.3 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants.

Shredded Cheese (¼ cup, optional)

  - About 110 calories

  - 9 grams of fat

  - 1 gram of carbohydrates

  - 7 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds flavor and richness. Provides calcium and protein.

Fruit Jam or Preserves (1 cup)

  - Approximately 800 calories

  - 0 grams of fat

  - 200 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds sweetness and flavor. Use in moderation due to high sugar content.

Sugar (1 tablespoon, if needed)

  - About 50 calories

  - 0 grams of fat

  - 12 grams of carbohydrates

  - 0 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds sweetness. Should be used sparingly to manage sugar intake.

Egg (1, beaten)

  - About 70 calories

  - 5 grams of fat

  - 0.6 grams of carbohydrates

  - 6 grams of protein

Benefits: Adds color and sheen to the baked goods. Provides protein and helps with browning.