Cheese muffins

Cheese Muffins – a delicious and simple recipe

Total preparation time: 70 minutes (20 minutes preparation, 50 minutes baking)
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Welcome to our fragrant kitchen! Today, I invite you to make cheese muffins, a recipe that combines the flavor of cheese with the delicacy of a fluffy dough. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, office snacks, or simply to treat your taste buds to something truly special. Plus, they are a great way to use up leftover cheese from the fridge!

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 300 g flour (preferably white wheat flour, but you can also use whole wheat for a more complex taste)
- 1 egg yolk (this will add richness to the dough)
- 1 teaspoon orange essence (or vanilla for a more classic taste)
- 70 ml milk (you can opt for plant-based milk if you want a vegan version)
- 100 g sugar (suggestion: you can reduce the sugar amount if you prefer a less sweet taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted; you can also use oil for a lighter version)
- 7 g dry yeast
- a pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

*For the filling:*
- 100 g cheese (such as cottage cheese, ricotta, or feta, depending on your preference)
- 4 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 egg (to bind the filling)
- 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken the filling)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (adjust according to your preferences)
- *For brushing:*
- 1 egg white (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon sugar

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the dry yeast. This is the perfect time to activate the yeast, so take your time. Add the egg yolk, orange essence, sugar mixed with melted butter, and mix gently.

2. Adding liquids:
Incorporate the packets of vanilla sugar, milk, and water into the mixture. Begin kneading the dough with your hands or with a hook mixer until it becomes non-sticky and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can gradually add a few tablespoons of flour.

3. Let the dough rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until the volume of the dough doubles. This is the perfect time to prepare the filling!

4. Preparing the filling:
In another bowl, mix the cheese with the sour cream and sugar until you get a smooth cream. Gradually add the milk, flour, and egg, mixing well. Ensure the filling is well bound but not too liquid.

5. Assemble the muffins:
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular sheet. Spread the filling evenly on top. Start rolling the dough tightly, forming a log. Cut the log into pieces about 3 cm long.

6. Arrange the muffins:
Place the rolls in a muffin tin lined with parchment paper. Brush each muffin with the beaten egg white mixed with sugar to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

7. Bake the muffins:
Let the muffins rest for 10 minutes before placing them in a preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

8. Cool and enjoy:
After baking, let them cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- If you wish, you can add raisins or chocolate chips to the filling for an even more decadent taste.
- These muffins can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but they are delicious when consumed fresh.

Nutritional Benefits:
These cheese muffins are a good source of protein due to the cheese and egg, and the sour cream adds a note of creaminess. You can also adapt the recipe using healthier ingredients, such as whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use soy cheese? Of course! This is an excellent option for those who want to avoid dairy products.
- How can I improve the recipe? Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions:
These muffins are perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served with a fruit sauce or jam for a truly special breakfast.

I hope you had fun making these cheese muffins! Don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family – I’m sure they will love the taste! Bon appétit!