If you’ve never tried vareniki before, you’re in for a treat.
These Ukrainian-style dumplings are similar to pierogi and can be filled with everything from potatoes to berries.
Cherry vareniki are especially popular in summer when fresh or frozen cherries are readily available.
Their sweet-tart flavor pairs beautifully with a touch of sugar and soft homemade dough, making them an irresistible dessert or brunch item that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A beloved traditional Eastern European dish
Perfect use for fresh or frozen cherries
Easy to freeze and cook later
Just sweet enough without being too rich
Serve them with sour cream, yogurt, or just a sprinkle of sugar
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Vareniki Dough
The dough is soft and slightly chewy.
You can use your favorite pierogi dough recipe, or find the suggested one
Cherries
Pitted cherries work best. You can use fresh when in season or frozen all year round.
Sugar
A small spoonful is added to each dumpling to balance the tartness of the cherries.
Salt for boiling water
Enhances the flavor of the dumplings during cooking.
Pro Tips Before You Start
If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid inside the dumplings.
Make sure to seal the edges of each vareniki well so the filling doesn’t leak during boiling.
You can freeze uncooked vareniki in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag for easy meal prep.
Don’t skip the sprinkle of sugar after boiling—it prevents sticking and adds a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Vareniki (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare your dough and filling
Make a batch of vareniki dough using your preferred recipe.
Roll it out and use a 2 to 3-inch round cutter to cut dough circles.
Step 2: Add filling to each round
Place 1/4 teaspoon of sugar in the center of each round and top with one or two cherries, depending on size.
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
Step 3: Make cherry pelmeni (optional shape)
If you prefer smaller bites, use a 2-inch round and place one cherry and 1/8 teaspoon of sugar in the center.
Fold and seal like regular vareniki, then bring the corners together to form a round, diaper-like shape.
Step 4: Boil the vareniki
Fill a large pot with about 4 quarts of water and bring it to a boil.
Add 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water in batches.
When they float to the top, let them cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Place cooked vareniki in a serving bowl and sprinkle with sugar to prevent sticking.
Serve warm with a generous spoonful of sour cream, or eat them just as they are.
What to Serve It With
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Lightly sweetened whipped cream
Warm vanilla sauce or custard
A drizzle of cherry syrup
Fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar
Variations and Substitutions
Other fruits: Use blueberries, strawberries, or apricots instead of cherries
Vegan option: Use plant-based dough and skip dairy toppings
Savory twist: Skip the sugar and fill with farmer’s cheese or potato for a different version
Toppings: Try brown butter and breadcrumbs for a Polish-style finish
Storage and Leftovers
To store: Keep leftover boiled vareniki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Steam gently or reheat in the microwave with a little butter.
To freeze: Freeze uncooked vareniki in a single layer on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Cook directly from frozen—no thawing needed.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use refrigerated pie dough or wonton wrappers, but homemade dough has a better texture for vareniki.
Can I bake vareniki instead of boiling them?
Traditionally, vareniki are boiled. Baking isn’t recommended as it will change the texture.
How do I keep the vareniki from bursting open?
Seal the edges firmly and avoid overfilling.
You can also crimp with a fork for extra security.
Can I make them in advance?
Absolutely! They freeze well and can be made ahead and stored uncooked in the freezer.
Is sour cream necessary for serving?
It’s traditional but optional.
You can also serve them plain or with a sweet sauce.
Can I pan-fry the vareniki after boiling?
Yes! Fry them in a little butter for a golden, crispy finish.
What’s the difference between vareniki and pelmeni?
Pelmeni are typically smaller, filled with savory meat, and have a more circular shape.
Vareniki are often larger and can be sweet or savory.
Final Thoughts
Cherry vareniki are nostalgic, comforting, and bursting with flavor.
Whether you grew up eating them or are trying them for the first time, their tender dough and sweet-tart filling will win you over.
Perfect for dessert, brunch, or a light summer dinner, these dumplings deserve a spot in your kitchen tradition.
