Delicious Cottage Cheese Apple Plait Recipe

Start by beating the **soft unsalted butter** with **granulated sugar** and a pinch of **vanillin** in a mixing bowl. Ensure the mixture is well combined and creamy.

Next, add **the egg**, **cottage cheese**, and **salt**. Mix well until smooth. If your cottage cheese is lumpy, you may want to pass it through a sieve or blend it for a finer texture.

Gradually incorporate **the flour** mixed with **baking powder** into the bowl, kneading gently until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate while preparing the filling.

To begin, soak the **raisins** in boiling water for about 5-10 minutes to plump them up. Once done, drain and set aside.

Peel the **apples**, core them, and dice them into small cubes. In a dry skillet, cook the diced apples over medium heat, adding **sugar**, **cinnamon**, and **cornstarch**. Stir gently to combine and cook until the apples begin to soften. If your apples are particularly firm, add the cornstarch slightly later in the cooking process.

Once the apples are tender, add the drained **raisins** and mix everything together. Allow the filling to cool down.

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangular shape. Make sure it is even in thickness.

Place the cooled **filling** in the middle of the dough, leaving ample space on the sides and a little space at the top and bottom. Cut slits along the sides of the dough to create flaps.

Begin by folding the top and bottom of the dough over the filling and then alternate folding the side strips over to cover the filling, creating a braided effect.

Preheat your oven to **180°C (350°F)**. Brush the plait with **a beaten egg yolk** for a shiny finish. If you find your oven browns too quickly, you can mix the yolk with **1 tablespoon of milk** to lighten the color.

Bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

Dust the top of the plait with **powdered sugar** and slice to serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best flavor!