Crispy Cottage Cheese Donuts with Strawberries and Chocolate
These crispy cottage cheese donuts are golden and crunchy on the outside, while staying soft and tender in the center.
The secret is a coating of semolina, which creates a light crispy crust as the donuts fry. Inside, they’re creamy, delicate, and full of cottage cheese flavor.
I love serving them warm with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. It turns a simple homemade dessert into something that feels like it came from a cozy café. They’re moderately sweet on their own, and the fresh berries balance everything perfectly.
Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, these cottage cheese donuts always disappear quickly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- crispy outside and soft inside
- easy homemade recipe
- made with simple ingredients
- delicious warm or at room temperature
- semolina creates a light crispy coating
- perfect with strawberries and melted chocolate
- ready in about 30 minutes
- great for breakfast or dessert
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the donuts:
- cottage cheese
- sugar
- egg
- semolina
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- vanilla sugar
- salt
- vegetable oil, for frying
For serving:
- fresh strawberries
- melted dark chocolate
How to Make Cottage Cheese Donuts
First, mash the cottage cheese with a fork. If you’re using grainy cottage cheese, blend it until smooth.
Next, add the sugar, egg, flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Mix until you have a thick, soft, slightly sticky dough. Depending on your cottage cheese, you may need a little more or less flour.
Then, place the semolina in a shallow bowl.
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and gently roll them in the semolina to form small balls.
Place the shaped donuts on a board while you prepare the oil.
Meanwhile, pour the vegetable oil into a small, deep saucepan and heat it over medium heat.
To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small pinch of dough. If it rises to the surface and starts bubbling gently, the oil is hot enough for frying.
Carefully add 6–8 donuts at a time.
Fry them until golden brown, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly on all sides.
Keep a close eye on them, as they brown quite quickly.
Transfer the cooked donuts to a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Serve warm with fresh strawberries and melted dark chocolate.
Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Donuts
- Blend grainy cottage cheese for the smoothest dough.
- The dough should be soft and sticky, not dry.
- Adjust the flour slightly if your cottage cheese is wetter or drier.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Fry over medium heat so the donuts cook through without burning.
- They’re especially delicious served warm.
Variations and Add-Ins
These cottage cheese donuts are easy to customize:
- dust with powdered sugar
- serve with raspberry or blueberry sauce
- drizzle with honey instead of chocolate
- add lemon zest to the dough
- serve with Greek yogurt on the side
- serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
FAQ
Why are my donuts raw inside?
The oil was probably too hot. Fry over medium heat so they have time to cook through.
Can I make them without semolina?
It’s not recommended, because the semolina helps the dough hold its shape. Without it, the donuts will be much harder to form and may fall apart during frying.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for a few hours before shaping and frying.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer to help bring back the crispy outside.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Let the donuts cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Crispy Cottage Cheese Donuts with Strawberries and Chocolate
Ingredients
- For the Donuts
- 180 g cottage cheese 5%
- 1 large egg
- 2½ tbsp sugar
- 60 g semolina
- 60 g all-purpose flour add a little more if needed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- vanilla sugar to taste
- pinch of salt
- 300 ml vegetable oil for frying
For Serving
- fresh strawberries
- melted dark chocolate
Instructions
- Mash 180 g cottage cheese with a fork, or blend until smooth if using grainy cottage cheese.
- Add 1 egg, 2½ tbsp sugar, 60 g flour, 1 tsp baking powder, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix into a thick, sticky dough.
- Place 60 g semolina in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll each portion in the semolina to form balls.
- Heat 300 ml vegetable oil in a small, deep saucepan.
- Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough. If it rises and bubbles gently, the oil is ready.
- Fry 6–8 donuts at a time, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve warm with fresh strawberries and melted dark chocolate.
Notes
Don’t skip the semolina coating—it helps create the crispy outside.
Fry over medium heat so the donuts cook through without burning.
Best served warm while the outside is crispy and the inside is soft.
Delicious with fresh berries, chocolate, honey, or powdered sugar.
