These cottage cheese buns are fluffy, soft, and a great snack for any time of day. With cottage cheese mixed in, they’re a tasty twist on regular bread!
Honestly, I love them fresh out of the oven! They’re perfect with butter or jam, and they’re so easy to make that I whip up a batch whenever I need a comforting treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the recipe! It adds moisture and a nice texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider using a lactose-free cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a different yet creamy vibe.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works well here, but you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nuttier flavor. Just remember, you’ll need a bit more liquid.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the buns rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it instead without proofing. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients and skip the frothing step.
Sugar: A small amount helps activate the yeast. You can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener instead. Just remember to slightly reduce the liquid to maintain consistency.
Sesame Seeds: For topping, these add flavor and crunch. You can substitute with poppy seeds or leave them off entirely if you’re not a fan.
How Do I Get My Buns to Rise Perfectly?
Getting the dough to rise well is key for fluffy buns. Here’s how to ensure success:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. Old yeast won’t activate well and could leave you with dense buns.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot. An oven with the light on or a sunny window works great. Just avoid drafts.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a towel. This keeps moisture in, helping to create a nice puff.
After the first rise, don’t rush it! Letting the dough rest again after shaping gives it extra lift, resulting in soft, airy buns.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (450g) cottage cheese
- 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For Topping:
- Sesame seeds
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making these cottage cheese buns takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and around 2 hours for rising (1 – 1.5 hours for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second rise). Then you’ll spend about 20 minutes baking them. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 45 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious buns.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, pour in the warm milk and add the sugar. Stir gently to combine. Now, sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy. This means your yeast is good to go!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, the egg, softened butter, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined. It’s okay if the cottage cheese is a bit lumpy; that’ll add texture to your buns!
3. Combine and Form the Dough:
Add your activated yeast mixture from the first step into the large bowl with the wet ingredients. Gradually add in the flour, mixing it until a soft dough begins to form. If you like, use your hands to knead the dough gently either in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface. Knead until it’s smooth and elastic, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
4. First Rise:
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm, cozy spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the buns get fluffy!
5. Shape the Buns:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 6-8 equal portions and shape each portion into a round bun. Try to make them as uniform in size as possible for even baking.
6. Second Rise:
Place the shaped buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes. This second rise will make them even fluffier!
7. Preheat and Prepare:
While the buns are rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash.
8. Bake the Buns:
Brush the tops of the buns gently with the egg wash and then sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes until they are golden brown and smell delightful.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm, fresh, or use them as a tasty base for sandwiches!
Enjoy these soft, cheesy buns fresh or as a perfect base for sandwiches!
Can I Use Fresh Cottage Cheese Instead of Curd Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Fresh cottage cheese can be used, but it tends to have a higher moisture content. You may need to strain it slightly to avoid overly wet dough.
What If I Don’t Have Active Dry Yeast?
If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead without proofing it first. Just mix it directly with the flour, following the same instructions, and skip the frothing step.
Can I Make These Buns Without Egg?
You can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water, let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken) or a 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. This might slightly alter the texture, but they should still turn out great!
How Do I Store Leftover Buns?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be thawed overnight in the fridge or warmed in the oven from frozen!
