Hungarian curd cheese square

Hungarian Curd Cheese Squares (Túrós Kocka)

This traditional Hungarian dessert is soft, creamy, and slightly sweet, made with túró (curd cheese) or cottage cheese. It has a buttery crust and a deliciously rich cheese filling, often enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar.

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Ingredients:

(Makes about 12 squares)

For the Dough:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) butter (cold, cubed)
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups (350g) curd cheese (túró) or cottage cheese
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• 1 tbsp semolina or breadcrumbs (to absorb moisture)
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup raisins (optional, soaked in rum for extra flavor)

For the Topping:

• 1 egg white (beaten) for brushing
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour until it resembles crumbs.
3. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Knead gently until a dough forms.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.