Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, soft butter, egg yolks and sugar.
Gradually add the flour and baking powder until you have a soft and uniform dough.
Chill the dough:
Wrap the dough in cling film and place in the fridge for 20 minutes to harden.
Shape the buns:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
Remove the dough from the fridge and shape into small buns of your preferred size.
Place them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
Bake:
Bake the buns for 20 minutes at 180 degrees until golden.
Decorate:
Once the buns have cooled, sprinkle with icing sugar to give them a sweet and elegant look.
Short-Term Storage (1–2 days):
Store the cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature.
Line the container with a paper towel to absorb any moisture and keep them from getting soggy.
Medium-Term Storage (up to 5 days):
Place buns in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in the refrigerator.
Warm briefly in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back the softness.
Freezing (up to 2 months):
Once completely cooled, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap or foil.
Place wrapped buns in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Thaw at room temperature or reheat from frozen at 160°C (325°F) for about 10 minutes.
Variations:
Chocolate Chip Delight
Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the dough before chilling for a kid-friendly treat.
Raisin & Cinnamon Swirl
Mix in 1/2 cup raisins and 1 tsp cinnamon for a cozy, spiced version.
Lemon Zest & Poppy Seed
Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp poppy seeds for a fresh, springtime twist.
Nutty Crunch
Stir in 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for texture and flavor.
Savory Herb Version
Omit the sugar and add chopped chives, thyme, or dill, plus a pinch of salt for a cheesy, savory bun that pairs great with soup.
Tips:
Cottage Cheese:
For a smoother texture, blend or sieve the cottage cheese before mixing.
Butter Temperature:
Make sure the butter is softened (not melted) for even mixing and the best dough texture.
Dough Too Sticky?
Lightly flour your hands when shaping the buns or chill the dough a bit longer.
Even Baking:
Use a cookie scoop or weigh your dough balls for uniform size and perfect baking.
Beautiful Finish:
Brush the tops with a bit of egg yolk or milk before baking for a glossy, golden color.
Per Bun (approximate):
Calories: 165 kcal
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 90mg
Note:
This is a rough estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of butter, cottage cheese, and other ingredients used.
Add-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts will increase the calorie, fat, and sugar content.
Using low-fat cottage cheese or reducing sugar can slightly lower the calorie count.