Cottage Cheese Berry Pastries

Ingredients

Dough

  • Cottage cheese - 220 grams (8 ounces)
  • Egg - 1 whole + 1 egg white
  • Flour - 130 grams (1 cup)
  • Sugar - 1 tablespoon
  • Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon
  • Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vanilla - to taste

Filling

  • Soft cottage cheese - 140 grams (5 ounces)
  • Egg yolk
  • Sugar - 1 tablespoon
  • Vanilla - to taste
  • Berries or fruits - to taste

Equipment

  • Blender or Sieve

    Ensure the cottage cheese is smooth by blending or straining it. This will make the dough velvety and perfect for shaping.

  • Mixing Bowls

    You’ll need separate bowls for combining your dough and filling. Make sure they’re spacious enough to mix thoroughly.

  • Parchment Paper

    Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure an easy clean-up and prevent the pastries from sticking.

  • Rolling Pin

    For rolling the dough into even balls. If you don't have one, your hands will do just fine!

  • Baking Sheet

    An essential item for baking your pastries. Make sure it fits well in your oven and is sturdy enough to handle the heat.

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Dough

If using grainy cottage cheese, blend it or strain through a sieve.
Add the egg, egg white, sugar, vanilla, and oil to the cottage cheese and mix well.
Combine the flour with the baking powder and vanilla, then sift into the cottage cheese mixture.
Knead the dough until slightly sticky, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2

Prepare the Filling

Mix the soft cottage cheese, egg yolk, vanilla, and sugar until well combined.

Step 3

Shape and Bake

Divide the chilled dough into 6 equal parts and roll into balls.
Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Using a glass (flour the bottom to prevent sticking), make indentations in the dough balls.
Fill the indentations with the prepared filling and decorate with berries.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.

Servings

These cottage cheese pastries are best enjoyed fresh from the oven! Here are a few serving suggestions and ideas to elevate your experience:

💡 Breakfast Delight: Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Pair with your favorite morning brew for a perfect start to your day.

💡 Brunch Star: Arrange the pastries on a beautiful platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Add a side of fresh fruit and some mint leaves for a refreshing burst of flavor. They'll be the highlight of your brunch spread!

💡 Dessert Indulgence: Dress up your pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a handful of your favorite berries. The combination of warm pastries and cold ice cream is simply divine! 🍨

💡 Snack Time: Enjoy these pastries with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea in the afternoon. They're a perfect pick-me-up to keep you going through the day. 🫖

Variations

Looking to make this recipe gluten-free or vegan? Try these variations:

🌟 Gluten-Free Option: Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

🌟 Vegan Option: Substitute the cottage cheese with a vegan ricotta cheese made from cashews or almonds. Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs. Opt for a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup or maple syrup if desired.

Faq

  • Q: Can I use store-bought cottage cheese for this recipe?

    A: Absolutely! Store-bought cottage cheese works perfectly. Just make sure to blend or strain it for a smoother texture.

  • Q: What type of berries work best for the filling?

    A: You can use any berries you like! Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix all work wonderfully.

  • Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

    A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap.

  • Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

    A: Ensure that the indentations in the dough are deep enough to hold the filling, and avoid overfilling to prevent leakage.

  • Q: Can I freeze these pastries?

    A: Yes, these pastries freeze well! Allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

  • Q: How can I add a twist to the traditional recipe?

    A: Experiment with different fillings like chocolate chips, nuts, or a variety of fruits to give a unique twist to your pastries.

Nutrition facts

Cottage Cheese Berry Pastries
Recipe Yield:6 pastries
Calories:Each serving contains between 180 and 220 calories.
Calories (Min - Max):180 - 220
Total Fat:8g
Saturated Fat:2.5g
Protein:10g
Total Carbohydrate:24g
Total Sugars:8g