There’s something utterly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, and these Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls have become my absolute favorite way to achieve that feeling without hours of work. The first time I bit into one of these pillowy-soft rolls, still warm from the oven with a pat of melting butter, I knew I’d discovered something special. These Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls have a tender, moist crumb and a delicate tanginess that elevates them above ordinary dinner rolls. The secret ingredient – cottage cheese – creates an incredible texture while adding protein and a subtle depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for your recipe. Keep reading to discover how just a few simple ingredients can transform into the most irresistible rolls you’ve ever tasted.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Have you ever wanted fresh, homemade rolls but been intimidated by the long process of traditional bread-making? These Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls solve that problem beautifully. With no lengthy kneading required and a significantly shorter rise time than traditional dinner rolls, this recipe delivers incredible results even for novice bakers.
I first made these Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls for a family gathering where time was tight but I still wanted something homemade and special. My aunt, who has been baking bread for over 40 years, took one bite and immediately demanded the recipe. “These can’t possibly be as easy as you claim,” she said. But when I showed her how quickly they came together, she was astonished.
What makes this recipe truly versatile is how well these rolls complement nearly any meal. They’re equally at home alongside a hearty soup, a holiday roast, or as the base for miniature sandwiches. You can adapt them with different herbs, cheeses, or toppings to suit your menu perfectly. And because they freeze beautifully, you can always have homemade rolls ready to impress at a moment’s notice.
Now let’s dive into exactly what you’ll need to make these magical Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls.
Ingredients for Perfect Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of our Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls. For a more rustic texture, you can substitute up to half with whole wheat flour. I recommend using unbleached flour for the best flavor.
- 1 cup cottage cheese (4% milkfat) – The star ingredient that gives these Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls their exceptional softness and slight tang. Use full-fat cottage cheese for the best results, though low-fat will work in a pinch. Small or large curd doesn’t matter as it gets incorporated fully.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted – Adds richness and flavor. You can substitute with olive oil for a different flavor profile or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Provides food for the yeast and a subtle sweetness. Honey or maple syrup can be substituted for a different dimension of flavor.
- 1 large egg – Adds structure, richness, and helps with the rise. For an egg-free version, try 3 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce.
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast – The leavening agent that makes our Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls rise quickly. Active dry yeast can be used instead, but will need to be proofed first in warm water with a pinch of sugar.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity. I recommend fine sea salt for the best flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the acidity in the cottage cheese to create an even more tender texture in our Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls.
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted – For brushing on top before baking to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Flaky sea salt – A sprinkle adds a delightful contrast to the slightly sweet rolls.
- Fresh herbs – Chopped chives, dill, or parsley make a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
How to Make Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, melted butter, sugar, and egg. Mix until well blended. The mixture should look slightly lumpy because of the cottage cheese curds. This is perfectly normal and those small curds will create wonderful pockets of moisture in your Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls.
- Add the flour, instant yeast, salt, and baking soda to the wet ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a soft, sticky dough forms. The dough will be much softer and stickier than traditional bread dough – this is exactly what we want for super soft Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls!
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This short rest allows the flour to fully hydrate and gives the yeast a head start.
Step 2: Shape the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lightly flour your hands (the dough will be sticky) and divide the dough into 12 equal portions. A bench scraper makes this job easier, but two spoons will work too.
- Gently shape each portion into a ball by cupping your hands around the dough and moving in a circular motion. Don’t worry about getting perfect shapes – rustic-looking Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls have charm! The key is to handle the dough gently to maintain all those air bubbles.
- Place the shaped rolls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet or side by side in the baking dish for pull-apart style rolls.
Step 3: Rise and Bake
- Cover the shaped rolls with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm, draft-free area to rise for 20-25 minutes. The Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls won’t double in size like traditional yeast rolls, but they should puff up noticeably. On busy days, you can even skip this rise if needed – the rolls will still be delicious, just slightly denser.
- Just before baking, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt or herbs if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read 190°F (88°C) when they’re done.
- Remove from the oven and brush with additional melted butter for an extra-rich finish, if desired. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Delicious Variations for Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
1. Garlic Herb Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh rosemary and thyme, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the dough. Brush with garlic butter (1 minced garlic clove mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter) after baking for an aromatic roll that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes.
2. Cheesy Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Fold ¾ cup of shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan cheese into the dough before shaping. Sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking for rolls that develop an irresistible cheese crust.
3. Sweet Cinnamon Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Increase sugar to 3 tablespoons and add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough. After baking, drizzle with a simple glaze made from ½ cup powdered sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon milk and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract for a breakfast-worthy treat.
4. Seeded Everything Bagel Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Brush the tops with egg wash before baking and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for a savory roll that’s perfect for breakfast sandwiches.
5. Jalapeño Cheddar Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Add ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) to the dough for a spicy, cheesy variation that’s wonderful with chili or Southwestern soups.
6. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Fold in ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if oil-packed) and 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil for Mediterranean-inspired rolls that complement Italian meals beautifully.
Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Equipment
- ✔ Mixing bowls 🥣
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cottage cheese 4% milkfat
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 packet 2¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
Optional Toppings:
- 1 tbsp butter melted
- Flaky sea salt
- Chopped fresh herbs chives, dill, or parsley
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Mix the Dough – In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, melted butter, sugar, and egg until well combined. Stir in flour, yeast, salt, and baking soda until a soft, sticky dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- 2️⃣ Shape the Rolls – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your hands and divide dough into 12 pieces, shaping each into a rough ball. Place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or in a 9×13-inch dish for pull-apart rolls).
- 3️⃣ Rise & Bake – Cover rolls and let them rise 20-25 minutes. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt or herbs if desired. Bake for 17-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- 4️⃣ Enjoy! – Brush with extra butter and serve warm! These rolls freeze well, so make a batch for later.
Notes
⭐ Garlic Herb Rolls: Mix 2 minced garlic cloves + 1 tbsp fresh rosemary into the dough. 🌿🧄
⭐ Sweet Cinnamon Rolls: Increase sugar to 3 tbsp, add 1 tsp cinnamon, and drizzle with powdered sugar glaze after baking. 🍂🍯
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Can I make the dough for Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. The slow, cold fermentation actually improves the flavor. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then shape, rise, and bake as directed.
How should I store leftover Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls?
Store completely cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag with the air pressed out for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and refresh in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Why are my Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls dense instead of fluffy?
This usually happens if the dough is overworked or if there wasn’t enough rising time. Remember that this dough should be handled minimally – just enough to combine the ingredients and shape the rolls. Also, check that your yeast is fresh and active, as expired yeast won’t create the necessary rise.
Can I make these Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious. Add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t already include it, and be prepared for the rolls to be a bit more crumbly in texture.
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta makes an excellent substitute for cottage cheese in these Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls, creating an equally tender result with a slightly different flavor profile. Drain very wet ricotta first for the best results.
How can I tell when my Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls are perfectly baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For absolute certainty, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a roll should read 190°F (88°C). Underbaked rolls will have a gummy texture in the center, while overbaked rolls will be dry.
Creating Memories Around Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls
Whenever I make these Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls, I’m reminded of the Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s table, where bread was never an afterthought but a centerpiece that brought everyone together. She would have loved how these rolls maintain that traditional comfort while adding modern convenience.
There’s something special about passing a basket of warm, homemade Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls around the table. I’ve watched reserved dinner guests become animated conversationalists once they’ve shared in the simple pleasure of breaking bread together. Even my most kitchen-phobic friends have successfully made these rolls, proudly sending me photos of their creations.
These Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls bridge the gap between old-world bread-making tradition and our modern need for simplicity and speed. They remind us that creating something from scratch – even something as humble as a dinner roll – can be a small act of love that transforms an ordinary meal into something memorable.
I hope these Easy Cottage Cheese Rolls find a place in your recipe collection and on your family table. Make them your own with different herbs, cheeses, or shapes, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special with just a few simple ingredients and your own two hands.