Cottage Cheese & Raspberry Sweet Buns: A Perfect Blend of Softness and Sweetness

If you’re looking for a unique and delightful twist on your usual sweet buns, look no further than these Cottage Cheese & Raspberry Sweet Buns. With their soft, fluffy texture, a rich cottage cheese filling, and a burst of fresh raspberry flavor, these buns are a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether served as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a light dessert, these buns are a crowd-pleaser and will quickly become a family favorite. Their lightness and unique filling make them the perfect indulgence when you want something a little different from your usual pastry.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

For the Cottage Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (or more, depending on desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This is a sign that your yeast is active.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Cottage Cheese Filling:

1. While the dough is rising, make the cottage cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest (if using), and cornstarch. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Prepare the Raspberry Filling:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens into a syrupy consistency.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. If you’d like a smoother filling, you can mash the mixture with a fork or blend it briefly with an immersion blender.

Assemble the Buns:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Drizzle the raspberry filling over the cottage cheese layer, being careful not to spread it too far to the edges.
5. Roll the dough up tightly from one long side, then slice it into 12 equal pieces.
6. Arrange the buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes, until they puff up slightly.

Bake the Buns:

1. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.

Make the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled buns for a sweet finishing touch.

Serve and Enjoy:

These Cottage Cheese & Raspberry Sweet Buns are best enjoyed fresh, while they’re still warm and gooey. The combination of the creamy cottage cheese and tangy raspberry filling, topped with a sweet glaze, creates a deliciously comforting and indulgent treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these buns are sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite.

Final Thoughts

These Cottage Cheese & Raspberry Sweet Buns are the perfect blend of soft, pillowy dough, creamy filling, and fruity sweetness. The lightness of the dough combined with the richness of the cottage cheese and the tartness of the raspberries creates an irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just as a sweet snack, these buns are guaranteed to be a hit. Their delicate flavor and irresistible texture will make them a staple in your baking repertoire.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.