If you’re on the hunt for a warm, comforting treat that feels homemade but comes together without a fuss, then this Quick Cottage Cheese Buns Recipe is just what you need. Soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly tender, these buns offer a delightful twist on traditional bread rolls thanks to the creamy cottage cheese that keeps them moist and full of flavor. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a light meal, these buns will quickly become one of your go-to favorites when you want something fresh and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. At the top right, a large clear glass bowl is filled with white flour. Below it, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with white granulated sugar. To the left, three brown eggs and one lighter brown egg are arranged in a cluster. Below the eggs is a small dark brown bottle of vanilla extract. To the far left, a large clear glass bowl contains white cottage cheese with a chunky texture. Above and to the left, there are three smaller clear glass bowls: one with a white powder that looks like baking soda, one with a white powder resembling baking powder, and one empty bowl. The setup is clean and simple with the ingredients neatly organized. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and taste, making the list impressively simple but far from ordinary. From the tangy richness of cottage cheese to the gentle rise given by baking powder and soda, every element adds a unique touch that transforms humble ingredients into irresistibly soft buns.

Cottage cheese (1 1/2 cups, small curd, full fat): Provides moisture and a creamy texture that makes these buns wonderfully soft inside.
Eggs (4 plus 1 for brushing): Bind the dough together and add richness and color to the buns.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tbsp): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Sugar (1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup for topping): Sweetens the dough and gives the tops a light sparkling crunch when baked.
Baking powder (1/2 tbsp): Helps the buns rise evenly for a soft, fluffy texture.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Combined with vinegar to help lighten the dough and add tenderness.
White vinegar (1/2 tbsp): Reacts with baking soda for better rise and soft crumb.
Flour (4 cups): The base of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.

How to Make Quick Cottage Cheese Buns Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by blending the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a blender, mixer, or food processor will help create a smooth, uniform mixture that forms the base of your dough. This step ensures that the cottage cheese is well-incorporated, giving the buns their signature creaminess inside.

Step 2: Combine the Leaveners and Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix the baking soda with the vinegar. This combination will fizz up and help lighten the dough. Add this bubbly mix to your wet ingredients, then sprinkle in the baking powder for extra lift. Finally, gradually fold in the flour to bring everything together into a sticky but manageable dough.

Step 3: Shape and Prepare for Baking

Flour your work surface generously because this dough is a bit sticky. Divide it into 24 equal portions to form round buns. Place them on a baking sheet with some space apart to allow room for rising. Brush each bun lightly with the reserved egg for a beautifully glossy top and sprinkle with sugar to add a delicate sweetness and crisp finish once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 °F and bake the buns for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on their color — when they turn golden brown, they’re ready to come out. Allow the buns to cool to room temperature on a wire rack before serving, so the texture sets just right and you can enjoy them at their best.

How to Serve Quick Cottage Cheese Buns Recipe

The image shows eight round bread rolls with a golden brown crust and a soft, slightly pale inside. One roll is broken in half to show the fluffy texture inside. The crust is lightly dusted with flour, giving a soft, light beige color on top. The rolls are placed on a white marbled surface with soft lighting showing their smooth, slightly shiny tops and soft interiors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a little extra sugar on top before baking adds a sweet crunch, but after baking, a dab of butter or a drizzle of honey makes these buns even more heavenly. Fresh herbs such as chives or dill can be chopped finely and sprinkled on top if you want a savory touch instead.

Side Dishes

These buns pair wonderfully with fresh fruit preserves, creamy cheese spreads, or even a simple bowl of soup for a cozy meal. If you prefer a wholesome breakfast, slice them and serve with eggs and fresh greens. Their mild flavor is a versatile canvas for both sweet and savory accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try slicing these buns in half and layering them with smoked salmon and cream cheese or your favorite cold cuts and crunchy veggies. You can also turn them into mini sandwiches or delightful sliders, making any gathering feel a bit more personalized and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two days. For best enjoyment, avoid stacking them too tightly to preserve their shape and softness.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the buns in a sealed freezer bag or container. They freeze well for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature or gently warm them up in the oven.

Reheating

To refresh the buns, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 °F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method brings back their fresh-baked softness and slight crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving, as this might make them rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make these buns without a blender or food processor?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients by hand using a whisk or sturdy spoon. Just be sure to break down the cottage cheese as much as possible to achieve a smooth dough texture.

What if I don’t have white vinegar? Can I substitute it?

If you’re out of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice works just as well to activate the baking soda and help the buns rise nicely.

Are these buns gluten-free if I use gluten-free flour?

The recipe can be adapted with gluten-free flour blends, but keep in mind the texture may vary slightly. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for best results.

How can I make these buns savory instead of sweet?

Simply reduce or omit the sugar and vanilla, and consider adding herbs, grated cheese, or spices to the dough. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt or seeds before baking for a savory finish.

Why are the buns not as chewy as traditional yeast buns?

This Quick Cottage Cheese Buns Recipe uses baking powder and soda for leavening instead of yeast, which results in a softer and lighter texture rather than the chewy quality of typical yeast rolls.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a homemade bun that’s ready in under an hour and tastes like it took all day to make. I hope you’ll give this Quick Cottage Cheese Buns Recipe a try because it’s one of those little joys that makes any breakfast or snack feel like a warm hug. Whether you eat them fresh from the oven or pair them with your favorite spread, these buns will quickly become an indispensable part of your baking repertoire.

Quick Cottage Cheese Buns Recipe