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Cretan Sweet Cheese Pies

Kalitsounia | Cretan Sweet Cheese Pies

Kenton & Jane
Sweet cheese pies from Crete
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Cuisine Greek
Servings 17

Ingredients
  

  • --Dough--
  • 1 1/2 cups flour plus extra for kneading surface
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon brandy optional
  • --Filling--
  • 7 ounces Ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 teaspoon oregano optional
  • --Egg Wash--
  • 1 egg
  • Splash of water

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and sugar, mix.
  • Add in all remaining ingredients under dough sections in order listed, one at a time.
  • Mix until all ingredients are combined then place on floured surface and knead until soft dough is formed.
  • Set dough aside. Start on filling.
  • In a bowl, add all filling ingredients, mix until well combined.
  • Take dough ball and place on floured surface, roll out to rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
  • Taking a cup, create circle cutouts in the dough. Remove remaining dough so you are left with just the circle cutouts.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of cheese filling to center of each circle, and either fold over to close, or pinch sides to create shapes - it's up to you here, be creative.
  • Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Roll remaining dough back out and repeat until all dough is used.
  • Once done, brush each cheese pie with egg wash (combine egg and water, mix).
  • Place in preheated oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Remove, sprinkle with cinnamon. Enjoy!

Notes

*If dough is too wet, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time to create dough.
**Feel free to drizzle honey over them as well.
***Serving is approx. how many individual pies you'll get.