Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Syrnyky)

Soft and fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Syrnyky) made with dry curd cottage cheese, lightly sweetened, and pan-fried to golden perfection. A high-protein, low/no sugar breakfast or dessert—easy to make and delicious!

A plate of golden brown cottage cheese pancakes, arranged in a circular pattern. The pancakes have a soft, fluffy texture and are lightly pan-fried for a golden crust.

Healthy Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe

These Healthy Cottage Cheese Pancakes (also known as Syrnyky) are a childhood favorite I learned from my grandma while growing up in Ukraine. This traditional Ukrainian recipe has been passed down through generations and remains one of the most popular breakfast or dessert recipes in Eastern Europe.

To make these pancakes, it’s essential to use DRY curd cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese—DO NOT use regular liquid cottage cheese, as it will make the batter too runny. If you want the best results, try my Homemade Cottage Cheese recipe on the blog—it’s a fantastic choice for making these pancakes!

Made with just a few simple ingredients, these protein-packed pancakes turn out lightly crispy on the outside and soft, fluffy, and creamy on the inside. They make a healthy breakfast, high-protein snack, or delicious dessert, especially when served with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, sugar-free jam, or a drizzle of honey. If you’re looking for an easy and nutritious recipe or a taste of authentic Ukrainian cuisine, this one is sure to become a favorite!

Cottage cheese pancakes served on a white plate with a side of creamy yogurt and topped with a fresh kiwi and banana fruit mix. The pancakes have a golden-brown exterior and look soft and tender inside.

Why Are Cottage Cheese Pancakes Good and Healthy?

These Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Syrnyky) are not just delicious but also packed with nutrition! Here’s why they are a great addition to your diet:

High in Protein – Made with dry curd cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese, these pancakes are naturally high in protein, keeping you full and satisfied for longer.

Low in Carbs – Unlike traditional pancakes, this recipe uses minimal flour, making it a lower-carb breakfast option.

No Refined Sugar – Sweetened with erythritol, stevia, or a natural alternative, these pancakes are a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack.

Naturally Gluten-Free Option – Swap all-purpose flour for rice flour to make these pancakes gluten-free.

Authentic Ukrainian Recipe – A traditional recipe passed down from my grandma in Ukraine, offering both a comforting taste and wholesome ingredients.

Perfect for the Whole Family – Lightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these pancakes are loved by kids and adults alike.

A plate of golden brown cottage cheese pancakes, arranged in a circular pattern. The pancakes have a soft, fluffy texture and are lightly pan-fried for a golden crust.

How to Store and Reheat Cottage Cheese Pancakes?

Keep your cottage cheese pancakes (Syrnyky) fresh and delicious with these easy storage and reheating tips:

Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Let them cool before storing.

Freeze – Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheat in a Skillet: The best way to reheat Syrnyky is to warm them in a non-stick skillet over low to medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This restores their crispy outside and soft, fluffy inside.

Reheat in the Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.

Reheat in the Microwave: If you’re short on time, microwave the pancakes for 30-40 seconds on a plate, but they won’t be as crispy as when pan-fried.

Cottage cheese pancakes served on a white plate with a side of creamy yogurt and topped with a fresh kiwi and banana fruit mix. The pancakes have a golden-brown exterior and look soft and tender inside.

More Healthy Cottage Cheese Recipes

High Protein Cottage Cheese Cheesecakes

Mini Cottage Cheese Cheesecakes

Healthy Air Fryer Donut Holes

Cottage cheese pancakes served on a white plate with a side of creamy yogurt and topped with a fresh kiwi and banana fruit mix. The pancakes have a golden-brown exterior and look soft and tender inside.

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Pancakes

  •  cottage cheese – use DRY curd/pressed dry (sometimes it’s called TVOROG), or farmer’s cheese. You can also make your delicious, easy Homemade Cottage Cheese
  • egg
  • erythritol or stevia/sugar
  • all-purpose flour or rice flour
  • vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
  • oil or butter/ghee for frying

Ingredients for healthy cottage cheese pancakes (Syrnyky), including dry curd cottage cheese, egg, flour, sweetener, vanilla sugar, and oil on a white background

How To Make Cottage Cheese Pancakes?

1. Smooth the Cottage Cheese

Press the cottage cheese through a fine colander using a spatula or blend briefly with a hand blender until smooth.Smoothened dry curd cottage cheese mixed with flour and egg in a decorative ceramic bowl, ready for making traditional Ukrainian Syrnyky pancakes

2. Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, erythritol, vanilla sugar, and flour. Mix until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. Add a little more flour if needed.

3. Shape the Pancakes

You can shape the pancakes using one of these two easy methods:

  • Method 1: Roll & Slice
    Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough into a log, slice into 14 pieces, and shape into ½-inch thick rounds.Making cottage cheese pancakes by shaping the cottage cheese dough into small pucks

  • Method 2: Scoop & Flatten
    Flour your hands and work surface. Scoop dough into balls using an ice cream scoop, then flatten into small pancakes about ½ inch thick. Dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

4. Cook

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low. Brush with oil or butter. Cook pancakes for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.

Golden brown cottage cheese pancakes (Syrnyky) frying in a non-stick skillet and served on a white plate, showing their soft, fluffy texture and crispy edges.

Cottage cheese pancakes served on a white plate with a side of creamy yogurt and topped with a fresh kiwi and banana fruit mix. The pancakes have a golden-brown exterior and look soft and tender inside.

How Many Calories in Cottage Cheese Pancakes?

Calories (1 serve, 125g): 192 kcal Calories (per 100g): 153 kcal
Protein: 15.0 g Protein: 12.0 g
Carbohydrates: 11.5 g Carbohydrates: 9.2 g
Fat: 9.1 g Fat: 7.3 g
A plate of golden brown cottage cheese pancakes, arranged in a circular pattern. The pancakes have a soft, fluffy texture and are lightly pan-fried for a golden crust.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Syrnyky)

Soft and fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Syrnyky) made with dry curd cottage cheese, lightly sweetened, and pan-fried to golden perfection. A high-protein, low/no sugar breakfast or dessert—easy to make and delicious!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Servings 4 servings
Calories 192 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. (450 g) cottage cheese (DRY curd/pressed dry or farmer’s cheese)
  • 1 medium egg
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) erythritol (or stevia/sugar)
  • 3 Tbsp. (30 g) all-purpose flour (or rice flour) + more for dusting
  • 1 tsp. vanilla sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. (14 g) oil (or butter/ghee) for frying

Instructions
 

  • Rub the cottage cheese through a colander using a spatula into a mixing bowl, or slightly blend with a hand blender to make it smoother.
  • Add the egg, erythritol, vanilla sugar, and flour. Mix well until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. If needed, add a little more flour, about 1 tablespoon or so.
  • Shape the pancakes using one of these methods:
  • Method 1: Lightly flour a work surface. Roll the dough into a long, rounded log and cut it into small pucks (about 14 pieces). Using your hands or the side of a wide knife, shape each puck into a small, rounded pancake about ½-inch thick. Dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
  • Method 2: Lightly flour your hands and a work surface. Divide the dough into small portions using an ice cream scoop and roll each into a ball (about 2 inches in diameter). Flatten each ball into a round pancake about ½-inch thick. Dust with a bit of flour to prevent sticking.
  • Heat a large non-stick skillet on medium-low heat. Brush with oil or butter/ghee.
  • Place the pancakes in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Reduce heat if they brown too quickly.
  • Serve on a platter and enjoy warm!

Notes

How Many Calories in Cottage Cheese Pancakes?
Calories (1 serve, 125g): 192 kcal Calories (per 100g): 153 kcal
Protein: 15.0 g Protein: 12.0 g
Carbohydrates: 11.5 g Carbohydrates: 9.2 g
Fat: 9.1 g Fat: 7.3 g
Keyword cottage cheese pancakes syrnyky recipe healthy syrnyky Ukrainian syrnyky cottage cheese breakfast protein pancakes high protein breakfast low carb pancakes sugar-free pancakes

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