Delicious Russian Vatrushki Recipe

Start by mixing the *warm milk*, dry yeast, and *1 tablespoon of sugar* (about 25 grams) in a deep bowl. Stir in *100 grams of flour* until you achieve a consistency similar to thick sour cream.

Cover the bowl with cling film and let it rest for about *1 hour*. Meanwhile, soak the raisins in boiling water to soften them. Don’t forget to drain and dry them later.

Once the dough starter is bubbly and risen, it’s time to prepare the dough. In a bowl, whisk together *melted butter*, the remaining *2 eggs*, *75 grams of sugar*, salt, and *vanilla sugar* until well combined.

Gradually add this egg mixture to the bubbly dough starter, then sift in *150 grams of flour*. Mix everything together until it forms a cohesive dough.

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, incorporating the remaining *150 grams of flour* as needed. Knead the dough well and place it in a bowl greased with vegetable oil. Cover with film and a towel, then leave it in a *warm place* to rise for another *1 hour*.

After the dough has risen, punch it down and place it back on a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and divide it into 12 equal pieces, forming each into a ball.

For the filling, mix together *cottage cheese*, *1 egg*, *50 grams of sugar*, *vanilla sugar*, and the softened raisins until smooth.

When forming the Vatrushki, lightly flour the surface. Roll each ball into a round shape, add about *2 teaspoons of filling* in the center, and make *3 cuts* on top to create sections of different sizes.

Carefully fold the smallest section over the filling first, then wrap the middle section around and finally encase it with the largest section, pinching the edges securely.