Syrniki are a classic Russian dish often served for breakfast. Made from cottage cheese, they are fried to a delicious golden crust and typically enjoyed with sour cream, jam, or honey. Though the ingredients are simple, mastering the perfect syrniki requires technique—ensuring they turn out fluffy, tender, and full of flavor.
### 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, combine cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. If you prefer sweeter syrniki, you can add more sugar, but be careful—too much may cause burning.

Gradually mix in flour to achieve a soft, pliable dough. The exact amount will depend on the moisture content of the cottage cheese. Add flour little by little until the dough is soft and slightly sticky but holds its shape. If it sticks too much to your hands, add a bit more flour—but sparingly, as too much can make the syrniki dense.
**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 small patty about 1–1.5 cm thick for even cooking.
To prevent sticking, dampen your hands with water or a touch of oil.

**Step 3: Fry the Syrniki**
A heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet works best. Avoid high heat—it may burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Medium heat ensures even browning and a perfect golden crust.
Heat the skillet with a little oil, then add the syrniki, spacing them apart for easy flipping.
Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Then, cover the pan, reduce the heat slightly, and cook for another 2–3 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked through.