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Polish Sweet Cheese Twists Recipe – Zawijane Drożdżówki Z Serem

A blue plate on a weathered wooden bench holds a stack of Polish Sweet Cheese Twists, showcasing the delightful Zawijane Drożdżówki Z Serem pastry from a traditional Polish dessert recipe.

If you’re a fan of Polish sweet cheese buns or any kind of pastry filled with sweet cheese, then you’re in for a delightful surprise. Polish Sweet Cheese Twists, also known as zawijane drożdżówki z serem, are a delicious alternative that offers a unique twist (literally!) on the classic sweet cheese buns.

These delicious pastries are made with a soft, fluffy yeast dough that’s filled with a sweet and tangy farmer’s cheese (twaróg) mixture. The simple sugar glaze on top provides a satisfying crunch.

Unlike traditional sweet cheese buns, which can sometimes be dense or overly sweet, these twists are light, airy, and perfectly balanced. The twisted shape also makes them easier to eat on the go and perfect for sharing.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Cheese Twists?

  • Unique Shape: The twisted form offers a fun and visually appealing presentation.
  • Flavor Balance: The combination of sweet cheese filling and sugar glaze creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
  • Easy to Eat: The individual twists are easy to grab and enjoy without any mess.
  • Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack any time of day.

If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy sweet cheese, Polish Sweet Cheese Twists are a must-try. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress.

Homemade twisted dough pastries, including some with a white glaze, cooling on a black wire rack placed on a wooden surface. These delightful Zawijane Drożdżówki are perfect for any occasion.

How To Make Sweet Cheese Twists?

Step 1 – Make The Dough & Let It Raise

In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms.

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

You may also let the dough grow in a fridge overnight.

Step 2 – Prepare The Filling

Mix farmer’s cheese, sugar, egg, and butter until well combined. You may also add raisins.

Step 3 – Start Making The Polish Sweet Cheese Twists

Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 parts.

Roll out the first part of the dough on a floured surface. Shape it into a large rectangle. Spread half of the cheese filling evenly over the dough.

A sheet of pizza dough is rolled out on a floured wooden surface, with a partially illuminated area from sunlight, reminiscent of preparing Polish Sweet Cheese Twists like Zawijane Drożdżówki.

Person holding a rolled-out dough spread with a whitish creamy mixture, placed on a wooden surface with flour scattered around and a rolling pin on the right side. This scene sets the stage for making traditional Zawijane Drożdżówki z serem, also known as Polish sweet cheese twists.

Step 4 – Cut & Twist

Cut the rectangle lengthwise into 12 strips. Twist each strip a few times and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Partially rolled dough on a wooden surface dusted with flour, ready to transform into delicious Zawijane Drożdżówki Z Serem (Polish Sweet Cheese Twists).

A rolled-out piece of dough is cut into several sections on a wooden surface, preparing the base for delicious Zawijane Drożdżówki.

Hands twisting a piece of dough in a kitchen setting, preparing Zawijane Drożdżówki with Serem, with cut dough portions nearby on a wooden surface.

Step 5 – Make The Second Part & Preheat The Oven

Repeat the process of making & forming sweet cheese twists with the remaining dough and filling. When you are done, preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). 

Step 6 – Let The Twists Rise Then Bake The First Batch

The twists need to rise a bit before baking. It takes about 20-30 minutes so if you start your oven after the second batch is made, the first batch will be ready to bake when the oven is preheated.

Bake the twists for 20-25 minutes. Repeat with the second batch.

A baking tray lined with parchment paper holds twelve twisted dough pieces, some with visible filling in the twists—perfect for trying out the Zawijane Drożdżówki Z Serem recipe.

Step 7 – Make The Glaze & Cover The Sweet Cheese Twists

Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. When twists are slightly cooled, drizzle with the glaze.

What can Go Wrong When Making Sweet Cheese Twists?

Even though Polish Sweet Cheese Twists are relatively easy to make, a few things can go wrong during the process:

Dough Issues

Yeast Problems 

The yeast dough is growing well only in a draft-free environment Depending on the temperature in your kitchen, it will take about 1-2 hours for the dough to double its size.

Too Much Or Too Little Flour

If you add too much flour, the dough will be dry and difficult to work with. Too little flour, and the dough will be sticky and hard to shape. Start with the amount listed in the recipe and adjust as needed, depending on the humidity and your flour type.

Not Enough Rising Time

The dough needs enough time to rise so that the twists are light and airy. If you don’t allow enough time, the twists will be dense and heavy.

Filling Issues

Too Wet Filling

If your farmer’s cheese is too wet, it can make the filling runny, which will make it difficult to spread and can lead to soggy twists. If necessary, drain the cheese or add a bit more flour to thicken it.

Glaze Issues

Too Thick Glaze

If your glaze is too thick, it won’t spread easily over the twists. Add a bit more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Too Thin Glaze

A glaze that’s too thin will just run off the twists. If this happens, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

By being aware of these potential issues and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your Polish Sweet Cheese Twists turn out perfectly every time!

A child wearing a black and red hoodie is standing in the kitchen, using a knife to prepare food on a wooden cutting board. The counter holds peeled potatoes, fruit baskets, grocery bags, and ingredients for Polish Sweet Cheese Twists (Zawijane Drożdżówki z Serem).

FAQ About The Polish Sweet Cheese Twists

I don’t have farmer’s cheese, can I replace it?

Yes! You can replace it with Philadelphia cheese. If you decide to do so, don’t add butter.

Can I freeze the twists?

No, I don’t recommend doing so. The cheese changes structure in the freezer.

Is it better to let the dough grow in the fridge overnight or at room temperature?

It doesn’t matter. I like to make the dough in the evening and bake in the morning the next day.

Polish Sweet Cheese Twists Recipe

Yield: 24 twists

Polish Sweet Cheese Twists Recipe - Zawijane Drożdżówki Z Serem

A hand holds a blue plate containing a pile of twisted pastries with a light glaze, known as Zawijane Drożdżówki z Serem, against a background of green grass.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

Dough

  • 18 oz / 500g (3 1⁄3 cups) of all- purpose flour
  • 3 tbsps of instant yeast
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup of milk or plant-based milk
  • 3 tbsps of sugar or any other sweetener
  • 3.5 oz (100g) of butter

Sweet Cheese Filling

  • 18 oz (500g) of farmer's cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 4 oz (115g) of sugar or any other sweetener
  • 3 tbsps of soft butter
  • raisins (optionally)

Sugar Glaze

  • Juice of half a lemon
  • ⅔ cup of powdered sugar

Instructions

Make The Dough

  1. Melt the butter.
  2. Add milk to butter (to make it colder).
  3. Knead all the ingredients for the dough using your hand or a food processor.
  4. Place the dough in a bowl, and cover with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap.
  5. Let the dough rise in the fridge overnight or in a room temperature for about 1-2 hours. The dough needs to double its size.

Make The Filling

  1. Mix farmer’s cheese, sugar, egg, and butter until well combined. You may also add raisins.

Form & Bake The Polish Sweet Cheese Twists

  1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 parts.
  2. Roll out the first part of the dough on a floured surface. Shape it into a large rectangle.
  3. Spread half of the cheese filling evenly over the dough.
  4. Cut the rectangle lengthwise into 12 strips.
  5. Twist each strip a few times and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Repeat the process of making & forming sweet cheese twists with the remaining dough and filling.
  7. When you are done, preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). The twists need to rise a bit before baking. It takes about 20-30 minutes so if you start your oven after the second batch is made, the first batch will be ready to bake when the oven is preheated.
  8. Bake the twists for 20-25 minutes.
  9. Repeat with the second batch.

Make The Sugar Glaze & Decorate The Twists

  1. Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. 
  2. When twists are slightly cooled, drizzle with the glaze.

Notes

  1. If you don't have farmer's cheese, you may replace it with Philadelphia cheese. Don't add butter to it!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 433Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 738mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 21g

These data are indicative and calculated by Nutritionix

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