Looking for a taste of nostalgia? These Lithuanian sour cream pastries, known as Grietiniečiai, are a delightful trip back in time. With their tender, tangy dough and lightly sweet farmer’s cheese filling, they’ve earned a cherished place in the hearts (and kitchens!) of many families across Lithuania. Whether served warm from the oven or savored the next day with a hot cup of tea, Grietiniečiai are more than just pastries — they’re a piece of culinary history. Let’s dive into the story behind this beloved treat, plus how to make them at home! 🍰💛

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⭐ What Are Grietiniečiai?

Grietiniečiai are soft, semi-sweet pastries made with sour cream-enriched dough and stuffed with a creamy filling of farmer's cheese. Originally adapted from similar baked goods popular in Soviet Russia, Lithuanians embraced and perfected the recipe, tailoring it to local flavors and traditions. Each bite brings together tangy, rich dough and a smooth, subtly sweet cheese filling — a flavor and texture combination that’s both comforting and deeply nostalgic. These pastries are often found in cozy Lithuanian coffee shops, home kitchens, and holiday tables alike.

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🧀 Why Everyone Loves Them

For many Lithuanians, Grietiniečiai aren’t just dessert — they’re memories baked into dough. The smell of them baking can instantly evoke childhood mornings, family celebrations, and conversations around the kitchen table. They’re perfect for:

• A sweet breakfast 🍳
• An afternoon coffee treat ☕
• A light dessert after a hearty meal 🍽️
• Sharing with loved ones ❤️

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these pastries at home is simpler than it seems. Here are the essential ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 🧈 Unsalted butter – softened
• 🍬 Granulated sugar – or caster sugar
• 🥚 Eggs – 2 whole + 1 yolk for brushing
• 🥣 Sour cream – or crème fraîche
• 🌾 All-purpose flour
• ⚖️ Baking powder
• 🧂 Salt

For the Filling:

• 🧀 Farmer’s cheese – ideally full-fat; Lithuanian varškė or Polish twaróg work best
• 🍬 Sugar
• 🥚 Egg
• 🌾 Flour – to bind the cheese mixture
• 🌿 Vanilla bean paste (optional)

💡 Tip: If using cream cheese instead of farmer’s cheese, slightly increase the flour in the filling to adjust the texture.

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🍋 Optional Variations

Want to give your pastries a fun twist? Try adding:

• 🌻 Poppy seeds (1 tsp)
• 🍋 Lemon zest (2 tbsp)
• 🍇 Raisins or sultanas (a small handful)

These extras blend beautifully with the cheese filling, adding even more flavor and personality to your pastries.

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Grietiniečiai (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dough

• Beat softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
• Gradually mix in beaten eggs and sour cream.
• In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the wet mixture.
• Mix just until a soft dough forms — don’t overwork it!
• Flatten the dough, wrap it in cling film, and chill in the fridge.

⚠️ The dough will feel soft and slightly sticky. Resist the urge to add more flour!

3. Make the Filling

• Mash the farmer's cheese in a bowl (a fork or potato masher works great).
• Add sugar, flour, and a beaten egg. Mix well until smooth and thick but spreadable.

4. Assemble the Pastries

• Roll out the chilled dough to about ½ cm (⅕ in) thickness.
• Cut out circles roughly 10 cm (4 in) in diameter.
• Spoon filling onto one half of each circle.
• Fold over, forming a semi-moon shape. No need to press or seal tightly.
• Place on the lined baking tray.

5. Egg Wash & Bake

• Brush each pastry with a beaten egg yolk.
• Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden and slightly puffed.

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☕ How to Serve Grietiniečiai

Traditionally, these pastries are served slightly warm or at room temperature. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming, old-world touch — perfect for guests or festive occasions. ✨ In Lithuania, they’re often enjoyed:

• With coffee or tea during breakfast 🫖
• As an afternoon pick-me-up 🧁
• At family gatherings and holidays

🧓 Fun fact: In the past, Grietiniečiai were considered a luxury dessert because they used two rich dairy ingredients — sour cream and farmer’s cheese — making them a special treat for celebrations.

And guess what? They might be even tastier the next day once the flavors have fully settled in. 😋

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🇱🇹 Final Thoughts

Grietiniečiai are more than just sour cream pastries — they’re a delicious celebration of Lithuanian heritage, flavor, and family tradition. Whether you're recreating a taste of your childhood or discovering them for the first time, these pastries promise pure joy in every bite. So preheat that oven, get your rolling pin ready, and treat yourself to a warm batch of Grietiniečiai today! 🥰