Sourdough Pirozhki (Fluffy Hand Pies Filled with Joy) 🥟

Why This Recipe?

Pirozhki are little pockets of comfort—soft buns with savory or sweet fillings, baked or fried, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or snack emergencies. With sourdough, the dough becomes light, tangy, and full of flavor. You’ll want to fill your freezer (and your heart) with these.

🛠️ Ingredients (Dough):

• 1 cup sourdough discard

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup warm milk

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1 tsp baking powder (for extra fluff)

Optional Fillings:

Savory: Mashed potatoes + sautéed onions / Cooked ground beef + herbs / Cabbage + dill
Sweet: Cherries + sugar / Sweetened farmer’s cheese / Apple + cinnamon

⚡️ Instructions:

1️⃣ Mix all dough ingredients together. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Rest for 1 hour (or overnight in fridge).

2️⃣ Divide into 12 pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten.

3️⃣ Add your chosen filling, fold and pinch closed.

4️⃣ Place seam-side down on a baking tray. Brush with egg wash.

5️⃣ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

🔥 Bonus Tips:

✔ Freeze unbaked pirozhki and bake straight from frozen!
✔ Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for flair.
✔ Serve with sour cream or hot soup for the full Russian grandma experience.