Imagine sinking your teeth into a pillowy-soft, golden-brown bun that's bursting with creamy cottage cheese and a hint of sweetness—a traditional Czechoslovakian delicacy that will transport your taste buds to a charming European bakery. These delectable sweet buns are not just a recipe; they're a culinary adventure that combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor, promising to become your new favorite homemade treat that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Czechoslovakian
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk (around 110°F) with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
- Drain excess liquid from the cottage cheese and blend it until smooth. Add the cottage cheese to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually incorporate the flour and salt into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball.
- Flatten each ball into a circle about 3-4 inches in diameter. Place a small spoonful of additional cottage cheese in the center of each circle.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching and sealing to create a smooth, enclosed bun.
- Place the filled buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the buns with an egg wash made from a beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. Optional: dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your milk is precisely warm (around 110°F) when activating the yeast to guarantee perfect rising.
- Texture Matters: Don't overmix the dough—stop kneading when it becomes smooth and elastic to maintain a tender crumb.
- Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot for dough rising, like near a preheating oven or in a slightly warmed oven.
- Filling Technique: Drain cottage cheese thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making your buns soggy.
- Sealing Secrets: Pinch bun edges carefully to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Golden Finish: The egg wash is crucial for that beautiful, glossy brown exterior—don't skip this step!
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow buns to cool slightly to let the filling set and flavors develop fully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
