There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked buns wafting through the kitchen, especially when they’re filled with fruity sweetness and creamy richness. These aromatic cottage cheese buns with apricot bring together the tangy creaminess of cottage cheese and the natural sweetness of ripe apricots, making them a treat you won’t forget.
Soft, fluffy, and lightly golden, these buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The addition of cottage cheese ensures they remain moist, tender, and protein-rich, while the apricot filling provides a refreshing fruity contrast.
Whether you serve them warm out of the oven or enjoy them cooled with a cup of tea or coffee, these buns are a wholesome and indulgent delight that will surely become a family favorite.
Cooking Time and Serving
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 buns
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7 g) instant yeast
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese
- 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup (150 g) chopped fresh or dried apricots
For Brushing:
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until creamy.
- Fold in chopped apricots and set aside.
- Shape the Buns:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
- Flatten each piece into a circle, spoon filling in the center, and fold the edges over to seal.
- Place seam-side down on a lined baking tray.
- Second Rise:
- Cover shaped buns with a towel and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush buns with egg wash and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute dried apricots with other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
- If you prefer extra sweetness, drizzle with a light glaze instead of powdered sugar.
- These buns store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta works well, though it has a slightly smoother texture.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight and continue shaping and baking the next day.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Try a half-and-half mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 Bun)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Sugars: 9 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
Disclaimer
This recipe is meant for general enjoyment and should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. People with dairy, gluten, or egg allergies should avoid or adapt the recipe to their dietary needs.
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