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Traditional Lithuanian Sour Cream Pastries (Grietiniečiai)
Grietiniečiai are nostalgic Lithuanian pastries made with tangy sour cream dough and a sweet farmer’s cheese filling. These traditional half-moon treats are soft, creamy, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or with coffee. A beloved taste of Lithuanian heritage, ready in under an hour!
Equipment
- Handheld electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutter or small plate (10 cm / 4 in)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 90 g (¼ cup + 3 tbsp) granulated sugar or caster sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 100 g (½ cup) sour cream
- 300 g (2⅜ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) full-fat farmer’s cheese (or varškė/twaróg)
- 1 large egg
- 40 g (3¼ tbsp) granulated sugar
- 30 g (2–3 tbsp) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually add the egg, then the sour cream, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and gently mix into a soft dough. Chill wrapped in plastic for 15–20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling: mash the farmer’s cheese, then mix in the egg, sugar, flour, and vanilla paste (if using). Set aside.
- Roll out the dough to ½ cm (⅕ inch) thick. Cut out 10–12 rounds (10 cm / 4 in each).
- Spoon filling onto one half of each circle. Fold over into a half-moon shape without sealing tightly. Place on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg yolk. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden and slightly puffed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Looking for a nostalgic dessert that brings the warmth of Eastern European kitchens to your home? 🇱🇹 Grietiniečiai—classic Lithuanian sour cream pastries—are a beloved retro treat that combines soft, tangy dough with a creamy farmer’s cheese filling. Often enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, these golden pastries are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack.
✨ What Are Grietiniečiai?
Grietiniečiai (pronounced gree-eh-tee-NYAY-chay) are tender, half-moon-shaped pastries made from a buttery sour cream dough and filled with slightly sweetened farmer’s cheese. Originating from Soviet-era Eastern Europe and lovingly embraced by Lithuanian kitchens, these pastries have evolved into a cherished part of Lithuanian culinary heritage. Whether served warm from the oven or savored the next day, Grietiniečiai offer a comforting taste of home, tradition, and simpler times. 😌🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple recipe requires just a handful of everyday ingredients. For exact measurements, refer to the full recipe card below 👇For the Dough:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 90 g (approx. ¼ cup + 3 tbsp) granulated or caster sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 100 g (½ cup) sour cream (or crème fraîche)
- 300 g (2⅜ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) full-fat farmer’s cheese (Lithuanian varškė or Polish twaróg preferred)
- 1 large egg
- 40 g (3¼ tbsp) sugar
- 25–35 g (2–3 tbsp) flour
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (optional, but recommended)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
🧀 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
- Farmer’s Cheese: Try to use authentic Lithuanian varškė for the most traditional texture. If unavailable, substitute with well-drained ricotta, cream cheese, or twaróg (Polish pressed curd cheese).
- Sour Cream: A key ingredient for the dough’s unique tenderness. Full-fat sour cream is best.
- Add-Ins: Mix in lemon zest 🍋, poppy seeds, or raisins for extra flair in the filling!
👩🍳 How to Make Grietiniečiai (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Prep Your Oven & Tools
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.2️⃣ Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.Gradually add the beaten egg and then the sour cream, mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a soft dough.
📝 Note: The dough will be very soft—resist the urge to add extra flour!Wrap in cling film and chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
3️⃣ Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, mash the farmer’s cheese using a fork or potato masher.Mix in the egg, sugar, flour, and vanilla paste (if using) until combined.
📌 Tip: The filling should be soft but not runny. Adjust flour as needed depending on your cheese’s moisture.
4️⃣ Assemble the Pastries
Roll the chilled dough to ½ cm (⅕ in) thickness on a floured surface.Use a round cookie cutter or small plate to cut out 10–12 circles (10 cm / 4 in each).
Spoon a dollop of cheese filling on one half of each round. Fold over to create a half-moon shape, but do not seal the edges tightly—they should remain slightly open. Place the pastries on your prepared baking sheet.
5️⃣ Egg Wash & Bake
Brush the tops with egg yolk and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden and slightly puffed at the seams.🍽 How to Serve Grietiniečiai
Traditionally enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these sour cream pastries can be dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.- ✅ For Breakfast: Pair with a hot mug of tea or coffee ☕
- ✅ For Dessert: Serve slightly warmed with a drizzle of honey 🍯
- ✅ Next Day? Even better! The flavors deepen overnight.
🧓 Fun Fact: In the past, these dairy-rich pastries were considered a luxury—served mostly on holidays or special family occasions.
🧰 Kitchen Equipment
- Handheld Electric Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutter (10 cm / 4 in)
- Pastry Brush
- Baking Sheet + Parchment Paper
📝 Full Recipe Card
Ingredients:See ingredient list above. Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg and sour cream.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix into dough. Chill.
- For the filling, mash cheese and mix with egg, sugar, flour, vanilla.
- Roll dough to ½ cm. Cut 10 cm rounds. Fill and fold.
- Brush with egg yolk. Bake 18–20 min until golden.
🧡 Why You'll Love This Lithuanian Dessert
- ✅ Easy to make with simple ingredients
- ✅ Perfectly balanced tangy-sweet flavor
- ✅ A comforting, traditional recipe with a nostalgic twist
- ✅ Beautiful addition to any brunch table or tea party!
