Farmer’s Cheese Pancakes (Syrniki)

Syrniki hold a special place in my heart, as they were a beloved treat during my childhood in Ukraine. These tender, slightly sweet farmer’s cheese pancakes were a staple in our home, often served for breakfast or as a snack, topped with a variety of delicious accompaniments like sour cream, jam, or honey. Now, living in the United States, I still make Syrniki whenever I want to bring a bit of that comforting nostalgia back into my kitchen.

This recipe yields perfectly golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside Syrniki that are just as good as I remember. The freezing step is key to keeping their shape during frying, and it also allows you to make them in advance, ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re new to Syrniki or looking to recreate a cherished taste from home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

lngredients:

  • 1 kg dry farmer’s cheese
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 150 g powdered sugar
  • 110 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Mix the Ingredients

  •   In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg yolks, powdered sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Mix until you have a thick, cohesive mass.

Portion the Dough

  •   Measure out 50 g portions of the mixture. Dust your work surface with flour and roll each portion into a ball.
  •   Using an 8 cm ring mold, place a ball inside the ring and, using a circular motion, press it down to create a flat surface for your syrnik. Flip it over and repeat the same motion with the ring on the other side.
  •   Place the shaped syrnik on a tray lined with parchment paper. Repeat the process for the remaining dough. You should get about 24 pieces from this recipe.

Freeze the Sirniki

  •   Cover the tray with plastic wrap and place the syrniki in the freezer for at least 1 hour. 

Note:Freezing helps the syrniki hold their shape during frying. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month—just make sure to transfer them to an airtight container after the initial freezing.

Cook the Sirniki

  •   Preheat a pot or skillet over medium heat and generously spread butter all over the surface.
  •   Place the syrniki in the skillet and fry them for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
  •   Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
  •   Once fried, place the syrniki on a tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes.

Serve the syrniki while they are still hot, accompanied by whipped cream and jam, sour cream, condensed milk, or honey.

Syrniki

Farmer’s Cheese Pancakes (Syrniki)

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Prep 30 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Freeze Time 1 hour
Total 1 hour 50 minutes
A beloved Ukrainian childhood staple, these tender cheese pancakes are golden and crispy on the outside with a soft, creamy center. By using dry farmer’s cheese and a unique freezing technique, these syrniki hold their perfect puck-like shape during frying, resulting in a professional, cafe-style finish.

Ingredients

Ingredients
  • 1 kg 1 kg Dry Farmer’s Cheese
  • 3 3 Egg yolks
  • 150 g 150g Powdered Sugar
  • 110 g 110g All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • Butter For frying

Equipment

Method

Mixing & Shaping
  1. In a large bowl, combine farmer’s cheese, egg yolks, powdered sugar, flour, and vanilla. Mix until it forms a thick, cohesive mass.
  2. Measure out 50g portions. Dust your surface with flour and roll each portion into a ball.
  3. Place a ball inside an 8 cm ring mold. Using a circular motion, press it down to create a flat, even surface. Flip and repeat on the other side.
  4. Place shaped syrniki on a tray lined with parchment paper.
The Freezing Step
  1. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 1 hour.
  2. Note: This ensures they hold their shape and don’t fall apart in the pan.
Frying & Baking
  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and grease generously with butter.
  2. Fry the frozen syrniki for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
  4. Transfer the fried syrniki to a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes to finish the center.

Notes

Do not defrost the syrniki before frying. Taking them straight from the freezer to the hot buttered skillet is the secret to achieving that crispy exterior while maintaining the perfect internal structure.

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5 Comments

  1. Sorry can I ask something out of this recipe I like chocolate cake but I really don’t know how to make a good one and softy help with the recipe with the chocolate syrup too

  2. You’re amazing , thank you for sharing! ❤️ Love syrnyki with all my heart! And the tip of freezing completely changes the game!

  3. That sounds so warm and personal—Syrniki truly are comfort on a plate. Would you like a traditional Ukrainian-style Syrniki recipe written out for you? I can also suggest some variations or toppings based on what you have available in the U.S. Let me know how you’d like to enjoy them—classic or with a twist!

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