Cheese Baskets

Cheese Cups: The Sweet Delight That Will Brighten Your Break

Who doesn't love a sweet and delicious snack that brings a smile to your face? Cheese cups are pastries that combine the crunchy texture of the dough with the creamy cheese filling, offering a perfect culinary experience. Ideal for a treat with coffee or to impress guests, these cups are easy to prepare and require no sophisticated ingredients. Let's discover together how to make them!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 cups

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 400 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 egg
- ½ packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 300 g fresh cottage cheese
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons sour cream

For brushing:
- 1 egg

Step by step - Your guide to cheese cups

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. This will ensure your pastries bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.

2. In a large bowl, pour the flour and add the baking powder, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon. This is the perfect base for your dough.

3. Next, add the sour cream and the beaten egg. Use a mixer on low speed or knead by hand until you obtain a smooth dough, but don’t over-knead. We want to keep the dough's slightly tender texture.

4. In another bowl, prepare the filling. Mix the fresh cottage cheese with the powdered sugar and sour cream. Use a mixer to achieve a smooth cream, without lumps. If you want a more intense vanilla flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence.

5. Prepare a muffin tray by lining each compartment with baking paper. This will prevent the cups from sticking and make cleanup easier.

6. The next step is to break off pieces of dough. Take a small piece of dough and form a ball that you flatten slightly, then place it in the muffin mold. Continue this way until all compartments are filled.

7. In the center of each cup, add a tablespoon of cheese filling. This will be the moment when the flavors begin to blend perfectly.

8. From the remaining dough, cut thin strips and place them over the filling, forming a lattice. This detail not only looks good but also adds a crunchy texture.

9. Use the beaten egg to brush the cups. This will ensure a beautiful golden color and an appetizing shine.

10. Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the cups bake for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and fragrant. When you take them out, let them cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions and variations

Cheese cups are delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can accompany them with a fruit sauce or caramel syrup for an extra flavor boost. Also, if you want to personalize them, you can add raisins or pieces of fruit to the filling - caramelized pears or baked apples fit perfectly!

Nutritional benefits

These cups are not only delicious but also provide a good source of protein thanks to the cottage cheese. Whole flour can be used to add fiber, and sour cream offers a boost of calcium. Try using brown sugar to add a hint of molasses and a deeper flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta or mascarpone cheese can provide a different but delicious texture.

2. Can I keep them for the next day?
Yes, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

3. How can I make the cups less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use unsweetened cottage cheese.

Cheese cups are more than just a simple pastry; they are an invitation to relax and savor. Whether you prepare them for yourself or for guests, these delights will surely bring a touch of joy to every bite. So, put on your apron and let’s enjoy the magic of the kitchen!