1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and vegetable oil.
Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend the mixture until smooth and well combined. This will give the dough a uniform texture and ensure the cottage cheese is well incorporated into the batter.
2. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring to combine after each addition.
Start mixing the dough by hand or using a spatula. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet. If necessary, add a bit more flour (around 30 g), but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the buns dense.
3. Shape the Buns:
Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into 10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball or rope-like shape.
Form each ball into a bun shape by twisting the rope-like dough, or simply leave them as round buns.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the buns on the sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
Brush the tops of the buns lightly with milk to help them brown nicely while baking.
5. Bake the Buns:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of one bun. If it comes out clean, the buns are ready.
6. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the buns are baking, mix together 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
Melt the butter and set it aside for brushing.
7. Coat the Buns:
Once the buns are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
While the buns are still warm, brush them generously with the melted butter.
Roll the buns in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are evenly coated.
Serve warm or allow them to cool completely before enjoying.
Cooking Tips:
Using Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese adds moisture and softness to the dough, but if you prefer a smoother dough, you can blend the cottage cheese before adding it to the rest of the ingredients. This will help avoid any small lumps in the final buns.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Be careful not to knead or mix the dough too much after adding the flour. Overworking the dough can result in dense buns.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the buns while they bake. Depending on your oven, they might brown faster or slower than expected. If they start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Customize the Coating: If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can skip the cinnamon sugar coating and instead brush the buns with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This will give them a sweet, shiny finish.
Storage:
Room Temperature: These cottage cheese buns can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. After that, they may begin to lose their softness.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep the buns fresh for longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the microwave or oven to restore their softness.
Freezing: These buns can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven before serving.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Protein: 5 g
Sugar: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Please note that these values are approximate and depend on the specific brands of ingredients used.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Cottage cheese is ideal for this recipe as it adds a mild flavor and moisture. However, you can experiment with ricotta or even mascarpone for a richer texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
2. Is there an alternative to using vegetable oil?
Yes, you can replace vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer taste. The butter will add more flavor, but the buns might be a bit denser.
3. Can I make these buns sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dough by an additional 20-30 g. You can also drizzle them with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.
4. What can I serve with these buns?
These buns are versatile and can be served with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. For an extra indulgent treat, try serving them with a side of fruit preserves or honey.
5. Can I make these buns gluten-free?
Yes, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend to make these buns. However, you may need to adjust the amount of flour, as gluten-free doughs can sometimes be drier or stickier than regular dough.
Conclusion:
Cottage Cheese Buns with Cinnamon Sugar Coating are a delicious and simple way to enjoy freshly baked buns with minimal effort. The combination of cottage cheese in the dough makes these buns incredibly soft and tender, while the cinnamon sugar coating adds a sweet, flavorful crunch.
These buns are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with different flavors or toppings. Whether you’re serving them warm from the oven or saving them for later, these buns are guaranteed to be a hit with both family and friends.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, these cottage cheese buns are a great option when you want something homemade and comforting. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, and you’ll find yourself reaching for one after another.
