There’s something special about old-fashioned recipes passed down from mothers — simple ingredients, pure comfort, and unforgettable flavor. These soft and fluffy cottage cheese pastries are exactly that. Made with a light yeast dough enriched with milk and sour cream, they stay tender for days. Each golden triangle hides a creamy cottage cheese filling with a hint of sweetness and raisins — a true homemade delight that rivals any cake or pie.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 250 ml warm milk
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 30 g sugar
- 10 g yeast
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 100 ml vegetable oil
- About 500 g all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 180 g cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- Raisins to taste
- 1 tablespoon starch
- Sugar to taste
For the Sugar Crumb Topping:
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 50 g butter
Instructions
-
Prepare the ingredients:
Warm the milk slightly and ensure all other ingredients are at room temperature. -
Make the crumb topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, and flour until you get a crumbly texture. Place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the dough. -
Activate the yeast:
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sour cream, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir well until dissolved. -
Form the dough:
Add the egg and vegetable oil, then gradually add sifted flour. Knead until soft and elastic. The dough should be smooth but not sticky. Adjust the amount of flour slightly if needed. -
Let it rise:
Cover the dough with a clean towel and leave it in a warm spot for about 40 minutes, or until it doubles in size. -
Prepare the filling:
In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, raisins, and starch. Add sugar to taste and mix until smooth. -
Shape the pastries:
Divide the risen dough into equal portions. Roll each portion into a small circle, brush with melted butter, and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Fold the dough into a triangle or shape of your choice, sealing the edges. -
Second rise:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the pastries, cover lightly, and let them rest for another 20 minutes. -
Add the topping:
Brush the tops with melted butter or beaten egg yolk. Sprinkle generously with the crumb topping from the fridge. -
Bake:
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F) for about 20–25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and fragrant.
Storage
Once cooled, store the pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. They can also be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their softness.
Tips for Perfect Pastries
- Don’t over-knead the dough — it should be light and airy.
- If you prefer a creamier filling, blend the cottage cheese before mixing.
- You can replace raisins with dried cranberries, apricots, or chocolate chips for variety.
- Brush with egg yolk for a deep golden shine before baking.
Final Thoughts
These homemade cottage cheese pastries are the kind of treat that reminds you of cozy weekends and the warmth of home. Soft, mildly sweet, and beautifully golden, they’re proof that you don’t need an expensive cake to enjoy something truly special. Serve them with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk, and taste the comfort of tradition in every bite.
