French-Style Cottage Cheese Rose Pastries
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French-Style Cottage Cheese Rose Pastries

ByEmily

These elegant cottage cheese pastries showcase three beautiful variations that are surprisingly simple to make. With their delicate rose-like swirls and tender, buttery texture, these French-inspired treats use cottage cheese to create remarkably soft pastries that stay fresh for days. Each recipe offers a unique twist on this classic technique.

Recipe 1: Classic Rose Pastries with Walnuts

Classic Rose Pastries with Walnuts

Ingredients:

  • 250g / 8.8 oz / 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 100g / 3.5 oz / 7 tablespoons soft butter
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 100g / 3.5 oz / 1/2 cup sugar
  • 250g / 8.8 oz / 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 50g / 1.8 oz walnuts, finely chopped
  • Red pepper flakes or paprika for topping

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese and soft butter. Mix until well blended. Add egg yolks and sugar, mixing thoroughly until smooth and creamy.

Sift together flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the cottage cheese mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 3-4mm thickness. Sprinkle finely chopped walnuts evenly over the surface and gently press them into the dough.

Cut the dough into strips approximately 3cm wide and 20cm long. Roll each strip into a spiral from one end to create a rose shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the spiral facing up.

Sprinkle the tops lightly with red pepper flakes or paprika for color and flavor. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Recipe 2: Savory Cottage Cheese Crescents

Savory Cottage Cheese Crescents

Ingredients:

  • 250g / 8.8 oz / 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 60ml / 2 fl oz / 1/4 cup yogurt or kefir
  • 50ml / 1.7 fl oz / 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 50g / 1.8 oz / 1/4 cup sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 300g / 10.6 oz / 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Paprika or cumin for sprinkling

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, egg, yogurt or kefir, vegetable oil, sugar, and salt until smooth and well combined.

Sift flour and baking soda together. Gradually incorporate into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth.

Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 15cm long, then shape into crescents or simple rolls. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush the tops with a little milk or beaten egg if desired, and sprinkle with paprika or cumin. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 35 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Recipe 3: Sugar-Dusted Rose Pastries

Sugar-Dusted Rose Pastries

Ingredients:

  • 250g / 8.8 oz / 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 100g / 3.5 oz / 7 tablespoons soft butter
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 100g / 3.5 oz / 1/2 cup sugar
  • 250g / 8.8 oz / 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Combine cottage cheese and soft butter in a bowl, mixing until creamy. Add egg yolks and sugar, beating until light and fluffy.

Sift together flour and baking powder, then gradually mix into the cottage cheese mixture until a smooth dough forms.

Roll out the dough to 3-4mm thickness on a floured surface. Cut into strips about 3cm wide and 20cm long. Roll each strip into a spiral to form rose shapes.

Place the roses on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 20 minutes until lightly golden.

While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar for a sweet, elegant finish.

Time and Serving

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-35 minutes (depending on recipe)
Total Time: 40-55 minutes
Servings: 12-15 pastries per recipe

Nutrition Per Pastry (Recipe 1): Calories: 165 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 1g

Why These Recipes Work

Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient that makes these pastries exceptionally tender and moist. The curds add protein and moisture without making the dough heavy, while the slight tanginess balances the sweetness perfectly. Unlike traditional pastries that can become dry after a day, cottage cheese pastries retain their soft texture for several days. The combination of cottage cheese and butter creates a rich, flaky texture similar to cream cheese pastries but with added protein benefits. Rolling the dough into spirals not only creates an elegant presentation but also maximizes surface area for browning and creates multiple delicate layers. These recipes are versatile enough to accommodate both sweet and savory variations, making them suitable for breakfast, snacks, or entertaining.