These cottage cheese buns are soft, fluffy, and super easy to make. With a little tang from the cottage cheese, they’re perfect for breakfast or snacks!
I love spreading butter on mine while they’re warm—nothing beats that! You’ll probably find yourself reaching for a second (or third) bun. They’re just that good! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your buns, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just remember that the texture may vary a bit.
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient gives the buns a soft texture and a unique flavor. If you want a dairy-free alternative, you can try ricotta or a vegan cottage cheese made from tofu. Just use a similar amount to keep the consistency right.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter enhances the flavor and moisture. You can substitute it with olive oil or coconut oil if you’re looking for a different fat. I’d recommend keeping it melted for an even mix.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the buns rise. If you’re out of dry yeast, you can use instant yeast, adjusting the amount slightly. Just remember that yeast is essential for a fluffy texture!
Sugar: Besides adding a touch of sweetness, sugar helps activate the yeast. If you want to reduce sugar, honey or maple syrup can be good substitutes (though you may need to adjust the liquid a bit).
How Do I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the buns their chewy texture. Make sure your surface is floured to avoid sticking. Here’s how to do it:
- Flatten the dough slightly, then fold it in half toward you.
- Push the dough away using the heel of your hand.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat the process.
- Continue this for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little extra flour on it.
Trust me, this step helps create those light and fluffy buns we all love! Feel free to incorporate some fun music while kneading—it makes the process enjoyable!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Buns:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cottage cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Egg Wash and Topping:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (for topping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the dough to rise. Overall, you should set aside about 2 hours and 30 minutes to make these delightful buns, including baking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
Start by taking a small bowl and mixing together the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir it gently, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to help your buns rise!
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour and salt. Then, mix in the crumbled cottage cheese and melted butter. This creates a nice mixture with a hint of richness from the cheese.
3. Combine Mixtures:
Next, pour the frothy yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Start mixing until the dough begins to come together and form a ball.
4. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Don’t rush this step; proper kneading helps develop the gluten for a fluffy texture!
5. Let It Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. Keep it cozy!
6. Shape the Buns:
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth round shape and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg. Using a brush, evenly coat the tops of the buns with the egg wash for that beautiful golden finish.
8. Add Sesame Seeds:
If you’d like, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each bun for some extra flavor and crunch. They make the buns look extra tasty, too!
9. Preheat the Oven:
Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, you can let the shaped buns rest for about 15 minutes to puff up a little more.
10. Bake the Buns:
It’s time to bake! Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re baked, take them out of the oven and let the buns cool slightly on a wire rack. They’ll be perfect as a tasty snack or paired with your favorite meals!
Enjoy these delightful Cottage Cheese Buns fresh out of the oven!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe! It will give you a slightly different texture, but the buns will still be soft and delicious.
How Should I Store Leftover Buns?
Store any leftover cottage cheese buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Can I Substitute the Egg Wash?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a vegan option or have an egg allergy, you can brush the buns with a mixture of water and a bit of plant-based milk or simply omit the wash entirely. The buns will still turn out great!
How Can I Tell When the Buns Are Done Baking?
The buns should be a golden brown color on top. You can also check for doneness by tapping the bottom of a bun; if it sounds hollow, they’re ready to come out of the oven!
