Cheese pastries

Delicious Cheese Pastries with Cottage Cheese – A classic recipe, perfect for breakfast or snacks

Who doesn't love starting the day with a warm and comforting breakfast? These fluffy cheese pastries with cottage cheese are exactly what you need to sweeten your morning. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of milk, tea, or coffee, every bite is an explosion of flavor and aroma. Plus, making them is a pleasure, and the rising process transforms the dough into a fluffy wonder. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pastries

Ingredients for the dough:
- 2 eggs
- 200 g yogurt (you can use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 100 g sugar (I recommend using cane sugar for a richer taste)
- 35 g fresh yeast (or 10 g dry yeast)
- 60 g butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 550 g flour (use type 550 flour for a fluffier dough)
- Grated zest of one orange (for added flavor)
- 3 tablespoons warm milk

Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese (choose a fresh and creamy cheese)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon starch (to bind the filling)
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- Raisins (optional, but recommended for a sweet-sour taste)
- Rum essence (for an inviting aroma)

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 2 tablespoons of milk

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the 35 g of fresh yeast with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the 3 tablespoons of warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is when the yeast works its magic!

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Here, add the remaining sugar, eggs, yogurt, and activated yeast. Mix gently with a spatula or your hands, then start kneading the dough.

3. Adding the ingredients: Once the dough starts to come together, add the salt, melted butter, and grated orange zest. Continue kneading until you obtain an elastic dough that no longer sticks to your hands. This is an important step for achieving the perfect texture!

4. Letting the dough rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour. You will know it is ready when it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with 1 egg, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of starch, raisins, and rum essence. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.

6. Shaping the pastries: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Gently knead it to release the air, then divide it into equal pieces (about 12). Roll each piece into a circular shape, place a tablespoon of filling in the center, then gather the edges toward the center to cover the filling.

7. Placing in the tray: Arrange the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to rise. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 15 minutes.

8. Brushing and baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the pastries with the egg yolk and milk mixture, then bake them for 25 minutes or until they are golden and browned. You will feel a divine aroma throughout the house!

9. Finishing: After baking, let the pastries cool slightly, then you can dust them with sugar. Serve them warm, alongside a cup of milk or tea.

Useful tips:
- If you want to transform this recipe, you can try various fillings, such as feta cheese and olives or chocolate and nuts.
- Make sure the cottage cheese is well drained to avoid a too wet filling.
- You can store the pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, but they are delicious warm!

Nutritional benefits:
These pastries are an excellent source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs. The yogurt adds a touch of calcium and probiotics, beneficial for digestion. Additionally, the orange zest brings extra antioxidants and a fragrant taste.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 10 g of dry yeast. Mix it directly with the flour.

- Can I freeze the pastries?
Yes, you can freeze the pastries before baking them. Place them on a tray, freeze them, and then put them in an airtight container. When you want to serve them, let them thaw and then bake them.

This cottage cheese pastry recipe is not only simple but also full of nostalgia and good taste. Don't hesitate to try it and share it with your loved ones! Every bite will take you back to beautiful moments spent around the table, enjoying the delicious treats prepared with love. Enjoy your meal!