Cottage Cheese Buns are soft and fluffy little treats, perfect for any meal! Made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese and flour, these buns are delightfully light.
They’re great for sandwiches or just with some butter on top. I love how easy they are to whip up—you can even eat them fresh from the oven while they’re warm. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Be sure to choose full-fat cottage cheese for richer flavor and moisture. You can substitute with ricotta or Greek yogurt if you’re in a pinch.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you can try bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just remember to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
Active dry yeast: If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast in the same amount. No need to proof it! Just mix it right into the flour.
Unsalted butter: If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut oil or olive oil can be great substitutions, though they might slightly change the flavor.
How Do You Ensure Your Buns Are Light and Fluffy?
The rise of these buns is really crucial for that fluffy texture. After mixing, kneading properly is key—make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Keep your rising conditions warm; a turned-off oven with the light on works well!
- Be gentle when punching down the dough after the first rise; this helps keep some air pockets.
- Don’t skip the second rise! It’s essential for achieving that perfect softness.
And don’t rush the baking time, either! Let them bake until they’re beautifully golden, and then enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Cottage Cheese Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing tops)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- A light dusting of flour (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep and mixing, plus around 2 hours for rising time. Baking will take about 15-18 minutes. So, in total, you’ll need roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes for these delicious bun delights to come to life!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the active dry yeast with 1 tsp of the granulated sugar into the warm milk. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. It’s important to mix these well to ensure even flavor throughout the dough.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Next, add in the cottage cheese, melted butter, egg, and the already foamy yeast mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix everything together until it forms a soft dough. If the dough is a bit sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour to help with handling.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. If you need to flour your hands or the surface to avoid sticking, that’s completely okay!
5. First Rise:
Lightly oil a bowl and place the kneaded dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens!
6. Shape the Buns:
Once risen, gently punch the dough down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, shaping each piece into a nice, smooth round bun.
7. Second Rise:
Arrange the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one. Cover with a towel and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes until they are puffed.
8. Preheat the Oven:
While the buns are finishing their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Brush the Buns:
Once the buns are puffed, brush the tops with the egg yolk for a beautiful golden color. If you like, sprinkle sesame seeds and a light dusting of flour on top for extra flair.
10. Bake the Buns:
Pop those buns in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and look absolutely irresistible!
11. Cool and Enjoy:
After baking, take the buns out of the oven and let them cool slightly on a rack. Serve them warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or as sandwich buns. They are delightful!
Enjoy every bite of your soft, fluffy cottage cheese buns! They are a perfect addition to any meal or snack time.
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly drier texture. Full-fat cottage cheese provides richer flavor and moisture, so adjust the dough as needed with a little extra melted butter or milk if using low-fat.
What If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the warm milk is within the proper temperature range (about 110°F). If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a warmer area or using the “proof” setting on your oven, if available.
Can I Freeze These Buns?
Absolutely! After baking, let the buns cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months! To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Buns?
These buns are incredibly versatile! They can be enjoyed warm with butter, used for sandwiches, or even served alongside soups and salads. For a sweet twist, try them with jam or honey!
