Russian Pies with Apples and Chocolate

To prepare these delicious cookies with apple and chocolate filling, start by mixing the cream cheese well, whether you opt for plain cottage cheese or a mixture of cottage cheese with sour cream. Use a mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Once the cream is well homogenized, add the eggs, constantly mixing to perfectly incorporate them. The next step is to pour in the oil, continuing to mix to ensure an even integration of the ingredients.

After the oil is well incorporated, add a cup of sugar and continue mixing until it dissolves completely. Now, it's time to add the baking powder and vanilla essence, mixing further until the mixture starts to thicken slightly. Finally, gradually add 700 g of sifted flour, mixing with a spatula or with your hands, to obtain a soft dough. It is important not to add more flour than necessary, as you want to achieve a fluffy dough, not a crunchy one. The dough should be slightly sticky; if it is too wet, add a little of the remaining flour.

After you have obtained the dough, place it in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, letting it sit at room temperature for two hours. This step is essential as it allows the baking powder to react with the cream cheese or cottage cheese, thus contributing to the fluffy texture of the cookies.

Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Peel the apples and remove the seeds, then cut them into small cubes. Immediately sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent oxidation. In a saucepan, melt the remaining sugar in 100 ml of water, adding the apples and letting them simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the apples become soft but do not break apart. Add the cornstarch dissolved in 50 ml of cold water and continue to cook until the mixture thickens. Once ready, remove from heat, add cinnamon, and let the filling cool.

After the dough has rested, divide it into four equal parts and knead each piece on a lightly floured work surface. Roll each piece of dough into a sheet about 5-6 cm thick and cut it into circles or squares, depending on your preference. In the center of each shape, place a teaspoon of apple filling and half a teaspoon of grated chocolate. Then, overlap the opposite edges of the dough over the filling and seal them well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, with the sealed side down, ensuring they are spaced apart as they will puff up considerably during baking. Using a brush, coat each cookie with egg yolk for a beautiful golden color. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at a moderate temperature until they turn golden and appetizing. After baking, remove them to a rack and let them cool slightly. These cookies are extremely tender, fluffy, and aromatic, perfectly suited to be served warm or cold. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, savoring every bite!