These Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls are fluffy and perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like cottage cheese, flour, and a hint of salt, they’re quick to whip up!
Honestly, they’re so light and tasty! I love slathering them with butter right out of the oven. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at one! 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the heart of the recipe, giving the rolls a soft texture and protein boost. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use ricotta cheese instead. Just note the flavor will be slightly milder.
Milk: Whole milk works best for richness, but you can use any milk you have on hand—such as almond or oat milk—for a dairy-free option. Adjust to taste and consistency as needed.
Butter: Unsalted butter is standard here. If you want a lighter version, try substituting with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine to keep it dairy-free.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect, but if you’re looking for gluten-free rolls, a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend can work well. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency.
Active Dry Yeast: If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead, using the same amount. Just mix it in with the dry ingredients without the first step of activating it in water.
How Do I Ensure My Rolls Rise Properly?
Getting the rolls to rise is key for a light and fluffy texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. If it bubbles when mixed with warm water and sugar, it’s good to use.
- Warmth is essential for rising. Try placing the covered rolls in an unheated oven with just the light on to create a cozy environment.
- Don’t rush the process! Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, usually about 30 minutes.
How to Make Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup additional flour for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake, plus 30 minutes for the dough to rise. In total, you’ll have these warm and fluffy rolls ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, milk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and nice and creamy.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is blended well so the rolls rise properly.
4. Make the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed to get the right consistency.
5. Knead the Dough:
Dust a clean surface with a little flour and gently knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t over-knee, just enough to bring it all together!
6. Shape the Rolls:
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round roll and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between the rolls so they can rise and expand.
7. Let the Rolls Rise:
Cover the rolls with a clean towel and place them in a warm spot. Let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size. This step helps make them fluffy!
8. Bake the Rolls:
Once the rolls have risen, pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are golden brown on top and smell delicious!
9. Cool and Serve:
When they are done baking, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. They are best enjoyed warm, maybe with a pat of butter or your favorite spread. Enjoy your homemade cottage cheese rolls!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Cottage Cheese?
Yes! You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture. Just keep in mind that ricotta is a bit richer, so the rolls might be a bit heavier. For a lower-fat option, you can use low-fat cottage cheese. Just ensure that it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
What Can I Use Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
You can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast, using the same amount. There’s no need to activate instant yeast in water first; just mix it in with the dry ingredients. If you need a yeast-free option, consider using baking powder instead, although the texture and flavor will differ.
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise once, then shape the rolls and place them on the baking sheet. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure they rise properly!
