Syrniki are a classic dish of Russian cuisine, typically served for breakfast. They are made from cottage cheese, fried until golden and crispy, and served with sour cream, jam, or honey. Despite their simple ingredients, mastering the perfect syrniki requires skill to ensure they turn out fluffy, tender, and fragrant.
**Step-by-Step Recipe**
Now, let’s move on to the cooking process, which involves a few key steps.
**Step 1: Prepare the dough**

In a deep bowl, mix together cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If you prefer sweeter syrniki, increase the sugar slightly, but be careful—too much can cause them to burn.
Gradually add flour, kneading until the dough is soft but not too firm. The amount of flour may vary depending on the moisture content of the cottage cheese. Add it little by little for the right consistency—the dough should be slightly sticky but hold its shape. If it sticks to your hands, dust with a bit more flour, but avoid overdoing it, as excess flour can make the syrniki tough.
**Step 2: Shape the syrniki**
Lightly flour your work surface. Take a portion of dough, roll it into a ball, then flatten it into a patty about 1–1.5 cm thick for even cooking. To prevent sticking, lightly dampen your hands with water or oil.

**Step 3: Fry the syrniki**
A thick-bottomed non-stick pan is ideal for frying. Avoid high heat—it may cause the syrniki to burn outside while staying raw inside. Medium heat ensures even cooking and a perfect golden crust.
Heat the pan with a little oil and place the syrniki, leaving space between them for easy flipping. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Then, cover the pan, reduce the heat, and cook for another 2–3 minutes so they cook through.