Crown with cottage cheese and cinnamon

Fluffy crown with cottage cheese and cinnamon - an unforgettable dessert for winter evenings

Total time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Winter brings not only cold but also warm moments spent around the table, enjoying delicious desserts. The fluffy crown with cottage cheese and cinnamon is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also fills the house with inviting aromas. This yeast dough treat is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or hot chocolate while the snow falls outside. Let's see how to prepare it!

Historical intrigue of the recipe

Crown-shaped pastries and sweet breads with various fillings are part of the culinary tradition of many cultures, serving as symbols of joy and togetherness. These sweets have often been prepared during holidays and special occasions, bringing family and friends together. Our recipe is a reinterpretation of these delicacies, combining the fluffy texture of yeast dough with the creamy filling of cottage cheese and the warm aroma of cinnamon.

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (choose a high-quality flour with a high gluten content to achieve an elastic dough)
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 60 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 75 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg (ideally at room temperature)
- 100 g warm water
- 100 g warm milk
- almond essence (optional, but adds a special note)
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 200 g cottage cheese (you can also use ricotta for a finer texture)
- 50 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or more if you like an intense aroma)

Preparation steps

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in 100 g of warm milk. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar and mix gently. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an indicator that the yeast is active and ready to work.

2. Preparing the dough: Sift the flour into a large bowl, making a well in the center. Add the egg, the remaining sugar, the activated yeast, the pinch of salt, the warm water, and the almond essence. Using a spatula or your hands, start incorporating the ingredients, then add the soft butter.

3. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If it is too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar and cinnamon until you obtain a homogeneous composition. If you prefer, you can mash the cheese with a fork or use a blender for a finer texture.

6. Forming the crown: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Knead it gently to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick. Spread the cottage cheese filling over the sheet.

7. Rolling the dough: Roll the dough from the long side, forming a tightly packed roll. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll in half, leaving one end uncut, then twist the two halves and join the ends, forming a crown.

8. Second rising: Place the crown on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Sprinkle sugar on top of the crown and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and well browned.

10. Cooling: Once out of the oven, transfer the crown to a cooling rack and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Helpful tip: If you want to add a personal touch, you can include chopped nuts or raisins in the filling. Also, for a crunchier crust, you can sprinkle a little brown sugar on top before baking.

Nutritional benefits: This crown with cottage cheese is a good source of carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the cheese, and healthy fats from the butter. Additionally, cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making this dessert not only delicious but also beneficial for health.

Calories: One serving (approximately 100 g) contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the serving method.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use about 7 g of dry yeast. Add it directly to the flour and follow the steps as usual.

- How do I know if the dough is kneaded enough? The dough should be smooth and elastic, and when you stretch it, it should not tear easily.

- Can I freeze the crown? Yes, you can freeze it after it has completely cooled. Wrap it well in cling film and then in aluminum foil.

Serving and combinations: The crown is delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed cold. You can accompany it with a cup of fruit tea or flavored hot chocolate. Additionally, a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a pleasant contrast of textures.

So, enjoy this wonderful dessert that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of warmth to the cold winter days. Prepare this crown with cottage cheese and cinnamon and share it with your loved ones - it will surely become a family favorite!