Syrniki is a classic dish of Russian cuisine, typically served for breakfast. They are made from cottage cheese, fried to a delicious golden crust, and served with sour cream, jam, or honey. Although the ingredients are simple, mastering the perfect syrniki requires skill—they should turn out fluffy, tender, and fragrant.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Now, let’s move to the cooking process, which consists of several steps.
**Step 1: Prepare the dough**
In a deep bowl, mix together cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. For sweeter syrniki, you can add more sugar, but be cautious—too much sugar may cause them to burn.

Gradually add flour to achieve a soft yet firm dough. The amount of flour may vary depending on the moisture content of the cottage cheese. Add it little by little—the dough should be soft and slightly sticky but hold its shape. If it sticks too much to your hands, sprinkle in a bit more flour, but don’t overdo it, as excess flour can make the syrniki tough.
**Step 2: Shape the syrniki**
Lightly dust your work surface with flour. 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, you can lightly moisten your hands with water or oil.

**Step 3: Fry the syrniki**
A thick-bottomed non-stick skillet works best for frying. Avoid high heat—it can burn the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Medium heat ensures even browning and a perfect golden crust.
Heat the pan with a little oil, then place the syrniki with some space between them for easy flipping.
Fry each side for 2–3 minutes until golden. Then, cover the pan, reduce the heat, and cook for another 2–3 minutes to ensure the centers are fully done.