Classic Russian Cottage Cheese Sochniki

Cream the softened butter with the sugar until smooth.

Add the eggs and mix thoroughly.

Fold in the sifted flour with baking powder and knead into a soft, pliable dough.

For the filling, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla, and sour cream, mixing until well blended.

Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 4–5 mm and cut out circles.

Place the filling on one half of each circle and fold the other half over it, leaving the edges unsealed.

Transfer the pastries to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg if desired for a golden finish.