Syrniki Recipe (Cottage Cheese Pancakes) Recipe

Fluffy Russian Syrniki Recipe: Golden Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Golden morning sunlight catches the delicate syrniki dancing on a plate, promising pure comfort.

Soft cottage cheese pancakes whisper stories of ukrainian kitchens and childhood memories.

Breakfast becomes an adventure when you blend tangy dairy with simple ingredients.

Crisp edges and fluffy centers create a magical contrast that delights the senses.

Rustic and elegant, these pancakes invite you to slow down and savor each bite.

Her grandmother’s secret technique transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Sprinkle some love, and you’ll discover a morning ritual that feels like a warm embrace.

Syrniki Pancakes That Serve Up Sweet, Soft Comfort

  • Quick Family Breakfast: Whip up these delightful cottage cheese pancakes in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings when everyone craves something delicious and nutritious.
  • Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Master this simple recipe with minimal cooking skills, requiring just basic mixing and frying techniques that even kitchen novices can confidently execute.
  • Kid-Approved Delight: Offer a protein-packed breakfast treat that children will love, combining sweet flavors with a fun, golden-brown texture that makes mornings exciting.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Customize these pancakes with various toppings like honey, jam, or fresh berries, making them adaptable for different taste preferences and meal styles.

Key Items for Syrniki Pancakes (Cottage Cheese Style)

Main Ingredients:

Dairy Base:
  • Cottage Cheese: Creamy and protein-rich base for the pancakes, provides texture and subtle tangy flavor. Choose high-quality, well-drained cottage cheese for best results.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the pancake batter.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder: Create structure and help pancakes rise. Use fresh baking powder for maximum lift and fluffy texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy cottage cheese.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic background flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Cooking and Serving:
  • Butter or Oil: Creates golden crispy exterior when frying pancakes. Butter adds rich flavor, while oil provides higher heat tolerance.
  • Honey, Jam, Sour Cream, Fresh Berries: Optional toppings for serving that complement the pancakes' flavor and texture. Choose seasonal berries for best taste.

Syrniki Pancakes Cottage Cheese Fry Guide

Step 1: Drain Cottage Cheese

Remove excess moisture by straining cottage cheese through a fine-mesh sieve.

This helps create a firmer texture for your syrniki.

Step 2: Create Creamy Batter

Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Cottage cheese
  • Egg
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Fold in flour and baking powder until the mixture becomes thick and slightly sticky.

Add extra flour if the batter seems too wet.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Rounds

Dust your hands with flour to prevent sticking.

Gently form small circular pancakes about 2 inches wide and half an inch thick.

Make sure each pancake is compact and smooth.

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Add a touch of butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Carefully place pancakes in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown crust and ensure the center is fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer syrniki to a serving plate.

Top with your favorite accompaniments like:
  • Honey
  • Fruit jam
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh berries

Enjoy these warm, delectable cottage cheese pancakes immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pancake Cooking Advice for Syrniki Recipes

  • Strain cottage cheese through a fine-mesh sieve to remove extra liquid, ensuring a perfect pancake texture and preventing soggy results.
  • Add more flour if the mixture feels too wet, aiming for a thick but slightly sticky batter that holds its shape when cooking.
  • Lightly dust hands with flour when shaping pancakes to prevent sticking and create neat, uniform syrniki.
  • Use medium heat to achieve golden-brown exteriors while ensuring the inside cooks thoroughly without burning.
  • Experiment with toppings like honey, jam, sour cream, or fresh berries to elevate the traditional Russian breakfast dish and add personal flair.

Syrniki Pancakes Reheated Easily

  • Store leftover syrniki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
  • Warm pancakes in a lightly greased skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes per side, restoring their crispy exterior.
  • Quickly reheat on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to overcook and make them tough.
  • Wrap individual syrniki in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Breakfast Complements for Syrniki Pancakes

Boost Syrniki Flavor Pairing: Sweet & Creamy Companions

  • Drizzle Honey Heaven: Lavender-infused honey adds delicate floral notes that complement the rich, tangy cottage cheese pancakes.
  • Berry Bliss Burst: Fresh raspberries or strawberries provide bright, tart contrast against the soft, warm syrniki texture.
  • Smooth Sipping Sidekick: Creamy chai latte with cinnamon and cardamom creates a warming, aromatic drink that echoes the pancakes' comforting profile.
  • Morning Beverage Boost: Light, crisp apple cider brings a refreshing acidic touch that cuts through the pancakes' richness.

Syrniki Cottage Cheese Pancake Styles

  • Gluten-Free Syrniki: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original pancake's texture.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cottage cheese with tofu or plant-based ricotta and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a vegan-friendly recipe that's still creamy and delicious.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and top with fresh berries for natural sweetness without added refined sugars.
  • Protein-Packed Version: Add a scoop of protein powder to the batter and incorporate chia seeds for extra nutrition and a protein boost, perfect for fitness enthusiasts.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent my syrniki from falling apart during cooking?

The key is to ensure your cottage cheese isn’t too wet and your batter has the right consistency. Drain the cottage cheese thoroughly and add just enough flour to make the mixture hold together. Chilled batter and lightly floured hands also help maintain the pancake shape.

  • Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?

Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese provides better texture and flavor. Low-fat versions tend to be more watery and might require extra flour to bind the mixture. If using low-fat, strain it well and consider adding an extra egg for better structure.

  • Why are my syrniki turning out dense instead of fluffy?

This usually happens when you overmix the batter or add too much flour. Mix ingredients gently and just until combined. The batter should be thick but still slightly sticky. Use a light hand when mixing to keep the texture soft and airy.

  • Is it possible to make syrniki ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and shape the pancakes in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. For best results, cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

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Syrniki Recipe (Cottage Cheese Pancakes) Recipe

Syrniki Recipe (Cottage Cheese Pancakes) Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sweet Ukrainian syrniki dance with creamy cottage cheese and golden-brown edges, inviting breakfast lovers into a world of comforting morning delight. Crisp outside and tender within, these pancakes promise pure culinary happiness when served warm with sour cream or honey.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese (well-drained)
  • 1 large egg

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Flavor and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons oil or butter (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly drain cottage cheese through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing gently to remove excess moisture, ensuring a compact texture for the pancakes.
  2. Combine cottage cheese with egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Gradually fold in flour and baking powder, stirring carefully to create a cohesive batter that holds its shape but remains slightly soft and pliable.
  4. Dust hands with flour and carefully shape mixture into compact, uniform pancakes approximately two inches wide and half an inch thick, handling gently to maintain structural integrity.
  5. Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat, adding a thin layer of oil or butter to prevent sticking and promote even golden browning.
  6. Carefully place formed pancakes into the heated pan, allowing each side to cook for 2-3 minutes until achieving a crisp, bronze exterior and ensuring complete interior cooking.
  7. Transfer cooked syrniki to a serving plate, presenting them alongside complementary accompaniments like honey, tangy sour cream, vibrant berry compote, or sweet fruit preserves for a delightful finishing touch.

Notes

  • Select high-moisture cottage cheese and strain thoroughly to prevent soggy pancakes that fall apart during cooking.
  • Mix ingredients gently to maintain cottage cheese’s texture, avoiding overmixing which can make syrniki dense and tough.
  • Dust hands with flour before shaping pancakes to prevent sticky batter from clinging to fingers and ensure smooth, uniform patties.
  • Control pan temperature carefully to achieve golden-brown exterior while ensuring soft, tender interior without burning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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