These cottage cheese buns are soft, fluffy, and packed with protein! They make a great snack or perfect addition to any meal. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up.
I love how they come together quickly! Just mix, shape, and bake. You can enjoy them plain, or add your favorite toppings—like butter or jam—so good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your main base. If you want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour. Just remember that it might make the buns a bit denser, so you might need more liquid.
Cottage Cheese: It should be smooth and well-drained. If you don’t have cottage cheese, ricotta is a great substitute! It’s creamy and will yield similar results in texture.
Sugar: The sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness. If you want to reduce sugar or go for a lower-calorie option, you can substitute it with honey or even stevia. Just adjust the amount according to your taste.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in the recipe. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil works well, lending a subtle flavor without compromising on texture.
Egg Wash: The egg yolk gives a beautiful gloss to the buns. If you need an egg-free version, try using a mixture of almond milk and a bit of oil or just a splash of soy milk for a shiny finish.
How Do I Ensure My Buns Rise Perfectly?
Getting your buns to rise is super important for that soft, fluffy texture. Here are some helpful tips:
- Make sure your yeast is active. It should froth when mixed with warm milk. If it doesn’t, your yeast might be dead, and it’s best to try again.
- Find a warm place for the dough to rise. A turned-off oven with the light on can be a cozy spot!
- Don’t rush the rising times. If your dough hasn’t doubled, give it more time. This is key for fluffy buns!
After the first rise, give the dough a gentle punch to release air before shaping. This helps your buns rise evenly on the second rise. Happy baking!
Making Delicious Cottage Cheese Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese (smooth and well-drained)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping:
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 2 to 2.5 hours total, including rising time. You’ll need about 1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise, followed by 30-45 minutes for the second rise, then some baking time. In no time, you’ll have delicious buns on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
Start by dissolving the sugar in warm milk in a small bowl. Then, sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it; it should get frothy, which means the yeast is active!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. This is the base for your dough.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add your smooth cottage cheese, egg, melted butter, and the frothy yeast mixture into the flour. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You want a smooth and elastic dough. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to make it dry!
5. First Rise:
Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which will take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
6. Shape the Dough:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into 7-8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth ball. This is where your buns get their shape!
7. Second Rise:
Place the dough balls onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Cover them lightly and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
8. Preheat the Oven:
While your buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready to bake when your buns are done rising.
9. Apply Egg Wash:
Gently brush the risen buns with the beaten egg yolk to give them a lovely golden crust. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture!
10. Bake:
Put the tray in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. The buns should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature as a lovely snack or as sandwich rolls!
Enjoy your fluffy, delicious cottage cheese buns!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese! It will still yield fluffy buns, but the texture may be slightly less rich than when using full-fat cottage cheese.
What If I Don’t Have Active Dry Yeast?
If you only have instant yeast, you can substitute it directly in the same amount, without needing to dissolve it in the warm milk first. Just mix it with the dry ingredients!
Can I Freeze the Buns?
Absolutely! Once the buns have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
How Do I Make These Buns Vegan?
To make these buns vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water), use coconut oil in place of unsalted butter, and choose a non-dairy milk. The result will be equally delightful!
