There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about waking up to the smell of pancakes sizzling in a pan. But if you’ve never tried Syrniki, you’re in for a real treat. These Russian cottage cheese pancakes are soft on the inside, lightly crispy on the outside, and slightly sweet with a deliciously creamy texture. They’re a staple in Russian and Eastern European households, often served for breakfast or as a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Syrniki have been a beloved dish for generations, traditionally made with farmer’s cheese, a dry-curd cottage cheese that gives them their signature texture. They’re slightly denser than your average pancake but beautifully rich and satisfying. These pancakes are often enjoyed with sour cream, jam, honey, or fresh berries, making them a versatile treat that can be dressed up or kept simple.
If you’re looking for a comforting breakfast that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this Syrniki recipe is the perfect addition to your kitchen repertoire. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Made with just a few simple ingredients, these pancakes come together in no time.
- High in Protein – Thanks to the cottage cheese, these pancakes are a great way to start your day with a protein boost.
- Perfectly Crispy & Fluffy – A golden brown crust on the outside and a soft, creamy inside make them absolutely delightful.
- Customizable – Enjoy them with a variety of toppings, from fruit preserves to a drizzle of honey.
- A Taste of Tradition – Syrniki have been enjoyed for centuries, bringing a comforting, old-world charm to your breakfast table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
How to Make Syrniki
Making Syrniki is surprisingly simple, even if you’ve never made them before. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a stack of warm, golden pancakes in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by placing the cottage cheese in a mixing bowl. If your cottage cheese is very wet, you might want to drain any excess liquid or pat it dry with a paper towel. For an extra smooth texture, you can blend the cheese slightly, but a little texture is totally fine!
Next, add the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this to the cottage cheese mixture, stirring until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough. You want it to be thick enough to shape but not too dry. If the dough feels overly sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Shape the Pancakes
Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Scoop out small portions of the dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and gently shape them into small, thick patties. Dust them lightly with a little more flour to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Syrniki
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pancakes in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them gently using a spatula to avoid breaking them.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, transfer the Syrniki to a plate lined with a paper towel to remove any excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite toppings – sour cream, jam, honey, or fresh fruit all work beautifully.
Helpful Tips for the Best Syrniki
- Use Dry Cottage Cheese – If your cottage cheese has a lot of moisture, strain it beforehand to avoid overly wet batter.
- Don’t Overload with Flour – Too much flour can make the pancakes dense. Add just enough to hold the batter together.
- Keep the Heat Medium – High heat might burn the outside before the inside is fully cooked. Medium heat ensures an even golden crust.
- Dust with Flour Before Cooking – Lightly coating the pancakes in flour helps achieve a perfect crisp crust.
- Customize the Sweetness – If you prefer a sweeter version, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 small pancakes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Russian, Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Cheese Texture Matters: For authentic Syrniki, use farmer’s cheese or a dry cottage cheese. If you can’t find dry-curd cottage cheese, strain regular cottage cheese to remove excess moisture or blend it slightly for a smoother texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Syrniki are mildly sweet by design, but you can increase or decrease the sugar to suit your taste.
- Topping Variations: Feel free to get creative with toppings. Syrniki taste amazing with everything from tangy fruit compote to a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Shape and fry the pancakes fresh in the morning for the best results.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing can make the pancakes tough. Combine the ingredients just until they come together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ricotta Instead of Cottage Cheese?
Yes! Ricotta cheese works well as a substitute, though it tends to be a bit creamier. If using ricotta, you may need to add a little more flour to compensate for the extra moisture.
How Do I Store Leftover Syrniki?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Can I Freeze Syrniki?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from the freezer in a pan over low heat.
What Are the Best Toppings for Syrniki?
The beauty of Syrniki is that they pair well with so many toppings! Some favorites include:
- Sour cream and honey
- Berry jam or preserves
- Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas
- Powdered sugar dusting
- Chocolate drizzle for a dessert twist
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm up in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F.
Related Recipes
If you love these Syrniki, here are a few more breakfast delights to try:
Conclusion
Syrniki are more than just pancakes – they’re a taste of tradition, a comforting bite of home, and a perfect way to start the day. Whether you enjoy them with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey, these Russian cottage cheese pancakes are sure to become a favorite in your household.
So, why not give them a try? Whip up a batch, pour yourself a cup of tea, and enjoy the simple, satisfying pleasure of homemade Syrniki. Happy cooking!
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Syrniki (Russian Cottage Cheese Pancakes)
Description
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about waking up to the smell of pancakes sizzling in a pan. But if you’ve never tried Syrniki, you’re in for a real treat. These Russian cottage cheese pancakes are soft on the inside, lightly crispy on the outside, and slightly sweet with a deliciously creamy texture. They’re a staple in Russian and Eastern European households, often served for breakfast or as a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Syrniki have been a beloved dish for generations, traditionally made with farmer’s cheese, a dry-curd cottage cheese that gives them their signature texture. They’re slightly denser than your average pancake but beautifully rich and satisfying. These pancakes are often enjoyed with sour cream, jam, honey, or fresh berries, making them a versatile treat that can be dressed up or kept simple.
If you’re looking for a comforting breakfast that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this Syrniki recipe is the perfect addition to your kitchen repertoire. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by placing the cottage cheese in a mixing bowl. If your cottage cheese is very wet, you might want to drain any excess liquid or pat it dry with a paper towel. For an extra smooth texture, you can blend the cheese slightly, but a little texture is totally fine!
Next, add the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this to the cottage cheese mixture, stirring until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough. You want it to be thick enough to shape but not too dry. If the dough feels overly sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Shape the Pancakes
Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Scoop out small portions of the dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and gently shape them into small, thick patties. Dust them lightly with a little more flour to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Syrniki
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pancakes in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them gently using a spatula to avoid breaking them.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, transfer the Syrniki to a plate lined with a paper towel to remove any excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite toppings – sour cream, jam, honey, or fresh fruit all work beautifully.
Notes
- Cheese Texture Matters: For authentic Syrniki, use farmer’s cheese or a dry cottage cheese. If you can’t find dry-curd cottage cheese, strain regular cottage cheese to remove excess moisture or blend it slightly for a smoother texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Syrniki are mildly sweet by design, but you can increase or decrease the sugar to suit your taste.
- Topping Variations: Feel free to get creative with toppings. Syrniki taste amazing with everything from tangy fruit compote to a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Shape and fry the pancakes fresh in the morning for the best results.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing can make the pancakes tough. Combine the ingredients just until they come together.
