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!
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!
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.
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.
More Healthy Cottage Cheese Recipes
High Protein Cottage Cheese Cheesecakes
Mini Cottage Cheese Cheesecakes
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
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.
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. -
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.
How Many Calories in Cottage Cheese Pancakes?
Calories (1 serve, 125g): 192 kcal | Calories (per 100g): 153 kcal |
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Protein: 15.0 g | Protein: 12.0 g |
Carbohydrates: 11.5 g | Carbohydrates: 9.2 g |
Fat: 9.1 g | Fat: 7.3 g |

Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Syrnyky)
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
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 |
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