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If you’ve ever wished for a comforting, creamy, and delightfully simple dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe is your new best friend. These little pillows of cheesy goodness come together in just 30 minutes and require minimal fuss, making them perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend treats. Forget the traditional labor-intensive pierogi—this lazy version captures all the rich flavors and soft textures you love, without the hassle, and with a sweet twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the cornerstone of this delightful recipe. Each item plays an important role—from the tangy farmer’s cheese that creates a creamy texture, to the butter and sugar that bring warmth and a touch of sweetness. These simple pantry staples come together to create a dish that’s truly irresistible.
- Farmer’s cheese (tvorog), 3 cups well-drained and packed: This provides the rich, creamy base that’s essential for the classic pierogi filling texture.
- Large eggs, 3: Eggs bind the dough together and add a lovely tenderness to the pierogi.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: A hint of vanilla brightens and enhances the sweet flavor profiles of the dish.
- Granulated sugar, ½ cup plus 3 tbsp for serving: Adds just the right touch of sweetness throughout the dough and sour cream topping.
- All-purpose flour, 1 ¾ cups: The flour holds everything in place and creates that wonderfully chewy exterior.
- Unsalted butter, 3 tbsp: Melted butter for tossing the cooked pierogi gives a silky richness and subtle nuttiness.
- Full-fat sour cream, 1 cup: The perfect creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet dough, making each bite more balanced and flavorful.
How to Make Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe
Step 1: Make the Lazy Pierogi Dough
Start by combining the well-drained farmer’s cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, and flour in a large mixing bowl. This mixture should come together into a smooth dough—test it by cooking a tiny piece in boiling water to ensure it holds its shape. If it feels too soft or falls apart, sprinkle in a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the texture is just right. This step is so quick and swaps out tedious traditional dough for something much lighter and faster.
Step 2: Shape the Pierogis
Divide your dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about an inch thick, and slice into ½-inch pieces. These little dough bites are the “lazy” pierogi—they don’t require filling or folding, which saves tons of time and effort while still delivering that familiar pillowy feel.
Step 3: Cook the Pierogi
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop the dough pieces into the water and cook them just until they float to the surface, which should take about one minute. Using a slotted spoon, scoop them out gently and immediately toss with melted butter to coat—this step adds fluffiness and a subtle buttery aroma that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture
While the pierogi cool slightly, mix together the full-fat sour cream with 3 tablespoons of sugar and a touch more vanilla extract if you like. This luscious topping complements the sweet and tangy notes of the dough, making every bite a little celebration of flavors. It’s unbelievably easy and brings a refreshing creaminess to the dish.
Step 5: Serve the Pierogi
Place the buttery pierogi on serving plates and generously spoon the sweetened sour cream mixture on top. If you want to get creative, adding fresh berries or a dollop of jam on the side takes the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. The Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe is now ready to enjoy—comfort food magic at its finest!
How to Serve Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate your lazy pierogi from simple to stunning. Fresh raspberries, sliced strawberries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar give a pretty contrast and a pop of natural sweetness. For a touch of texture, toasted chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds add a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft pierogi and creamy topping.
Side Dishes
Because these pierogi are on the sweet side, think about pairing them with lighter, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or a bowl of mixed berries. If you want to lean into a more traditional Eastern European feel, a side of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions brings a savory balance that complements the buttery richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, try layering the pierogi in a glass serving dish with alternating layers of sour cream and jam for a quick lazy pierogi parfait. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-inspired twist that turns this humble recipe into a decadent treat. Inviting and fun, this Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pierogi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they are well-coated in butter or a light drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. This way, you can enjoy the convenience of having a quick comfort food option ready to go without any extra prep work.
Freezing
If you want to keep pierogi on hand for longer, freezing is a great option. Spread the cooked and cooled pierogi pieces out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid—this prevents them from sticking together. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating
The best way to reheat lazy pierogi is gently on a skillet with a bit of butter over medium heat until warmed through and lightly crisped on the edges. You can also pop them in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel for a quicker option, but the skillet method helps restore their fresh-cooked texture and flavor beautifully.
FAQs
What is farmer’s cheese and can I substitute it?
Farmer’s cheese, also known as tvorog, is a fresh, slightly tangy cheese similar to ricotta but firmer. It’s key to achieving the authentic creamy texture of this recipe. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with well-drained ricotta or cottage cheese, but make sure to press out excess moisture to avoid soggy dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. This can save you time on busy days and allows the flavors to meld even better for an enhanced taste.
Are these pierogi savory or sweet?
While traditional pierogi often come filled with savory ingredients, this Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe is sweet, thanks to the sugar in both the dough and the sour cream topping. It’s perfect as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
You can, but full-fat sour cream gives the creamiest texture and richest flavor, which perfectly complements the pierogi. Low-fat versions might make the topping less luscious, though it’s still a reasonable alternative if you prefer lighter options.
How do I prevent pierogi from sticking together after cooking?
Tossing the cooked pierogi immediately with melted butter is the best way to keep them separate and add flavor. If you’re storing leftovers, a light coating of oil or butter before refrigerating or freezing helps prevent clumping as well.
Final Thoughts
This Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe is exactly the cozy, comforting dish you want to have in your recipe collection. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for those moments when you want something delicious without the fuss. Whether you’re sharing it with family or surprising friends, these lazy pierogi will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a little homemade magic!
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Print
Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fast and Easy Lazy Pierogi recipe offers a quick and delightful way to enjoy traditional Eastern European flavors with minimal effort. Using farmer’s cheese, eggs, flour, and a touch of vanilla, these soft, dumpling-like treats are boiled and then tossed in melted butter, served with a sweetened sour cream topping or fresh berries for a comforting dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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
For Cooking and Serving
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for sour cream mixture)
Instructions
- Make the Lazy Pierogi Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained farmer’s cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms. To check the consistency of the dough, cook a small piece in boiling water until it floats. If the dough is too sticky or soft, gradually add more flour until the desired firmness is achieved.
- Shape the Pierogis: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into long ropes and cut the ropes into approximately ½-inch pieces to create the pierogi shapes.
- Cook the Pierogi: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop the dough pieces into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, which should take about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the pierogis from the water and immediately toss them in melted unsalted butter to coat evenly.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the full-fat sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Serve the Pierogi: Serve the lazy pierogis warm by spooning the sweetened sour cream mixture over them. Alternatively, they can be enjoyed with a side of jam or fresh berries for added sweetness and variety.
Notes
- Ensure the farmer’s cheese is well-drained to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
- Adjust the flour amount as needed to achieve dough that is firm but pliable.
- For a savory variation, omit the sugar and vanilla, and serve with sour cream or fried onions.
- Leftover pierogis can be refrigerated and reheated gently in a pan with butter.
- The recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for a small family or group.
