Syrniki
Enjoy traditional Syrniki, soft and fluffy Eastern European cheese pancakes made with cottage cheese, eggs, flour, and a hint of vanilla. Golden on the outside and tender on the inside, these delicious pancakes are perfect for breakfast or brunch, served with fresh berries, yogurt, honey, or fruit jam.
Ingredients
- 1 cup 250 g cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup 60 g all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder optional
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter for frying
Optional Toppings:
- - Fresh berries
- - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- - Honey or maple syrup
- - Powdered sugar
- - Fruit jam
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a mixing bowl. If it is very watery, drain the excess liquid. Mash it with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Mix the wet ingredients: Add the egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Add the flour: Stir in the flour and optional baking powder. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If the mixture is too wet to shape, add a little more flour.
- Shape the pancakes: Lightly flour your hands and work surface. Divide the mixture into 8 small portions and shape each into a thick, round pancake.
- Heat the pan: Heat the oil or butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Cook the Syrniki: Place the pancakes in the pan, leaving space between them. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce the heat if they brown too quickly.
- Check for doneness: Make sure the centers are cooked through before removing the pancakes from the pan.
- Serve warm: Transfer the Syrniki to a serving plate. Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh berries, honey, or powdered sugar.
- Tip: For the best texture, use thick cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese with minimal excess moisture. Cook the pancakes over medium-low heat so the outside becomes golden while the inside cooks properly.