Perfectly Fluffy Russian Vatrushka: Easy Cottage Cheese Buns

Ingredients

Dough

200 grams (7 ounces) milk
100 grams (3.5 ounces) sugar
450 grams (1 pound) flour
8 grams (0.5 ounces) dry yeast
Pinch of salt
2 eggs
60 grams (2 ounces) butter

Cheese Filling

400 grams (14 ounces) soft cottage cheese
100 grams (3.5 ounces) sugar
1 egg

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Use various sizes for mixing the dough and the filling. Stainless steel or glass bowls work best.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurately measure all ingredients to ensure the perfect end result. Digital scales provide the best precision.
Mixing Spoon
A sturdy wooden or silicone spoon will help you mix both the dough and the filling effectively.
Plastic Wrap or a Towel
Use these to cover your dough while it rises, creating a warm environment for the yeast to activate.
Baking Sheet
A sturdy, non-stick baking sheet ensures even baking and easy clean-up afterward.

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare Dough Starter

Warm the milk and mix it with sugar, salt, yeast, and a few tablespoons of the flour (taken from the total 450 grams).

The mixture should have the consistency of thick sour cream.

Cover the mixture with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 20-30 minutes.

Step 2

Mix the Dough

Once the starter has risen and become bubbly, add melted butter, eggs, and the remaining flour.

Knead the mixture into an elastic dough.

Let the dough rise again in a warm place under plastic wrap or a towel for about 2.5 hours, until it triples in size.

Step 3

Form and Fill the Buns

Divide the dough into equal parts and shape them into buns.

Brush the buns with a beaten egg.

Prepare the cheese filling by mixing together soft cottage cheese, sugar, and egg until smooth.

Step 4

Bake

Fill the buns with the cheese filling.

Bake the buns at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Servings

Savor every bite of these mouth-watering cheese-filled buns by pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. ☕ Try serving them warm for the ultimate gooey cheesy experience. For a fun twist, drizzle them with a bit of honey or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. 🥐💖

Hosting a brunch? Add these buns to your spread alongside fresh berries, a platter of cold cuts and cheeses, and perhaps a refreshing fruit punch. 🍓🍇🍊 Your guests will be raving about your pastry prowess for days! 🥳

Feeling creative? Serve these buns as a dessert by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Sprinkle some cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for a gourmet touch. 🍦🍫

Variations

🆓 **Gluten-Free Variation**: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for better texture. Ensure your yeast is gluten-free as well.

🌱 **Vegan Variation**: Use plant-based milk (like almond or soy) instead of dairy milk. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) in place of regular eggs. Opt for vegan-friendly cheese for the filling.

Faq

Why didn't my dough rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and the environment warm enough. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! Let the dough rise, then store it in the fridge overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before continuing.
How can I make my buns fluffier?
Knead the dough well to develop gluten and let it rise in a warm place until it triples in size.
Can I use other fillings?
Absolutely! Try fruit preserves, chocolate, or even savory fillings like spinach and feta.
Why did my buns turn out dry?
Ensure you don't bake them for too long. Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accuracy.
How can I store the leftover buns?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for later use.