Are Thicc Cottage Cheese Pancakes Good?
Are Thicc Cottage Cheese Pancakes Good? is a easy Eastern European recipe that serves 4. 375 calories per serving. Recipe by emmymade on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $12.71 total, $3.18 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (full‑fat or low‑fat, well‑drained)
- 1 cup Greek‑Style Yogurt (plain, thick, full‑fat preferred)
- 2 Eggs (large, at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Water (for batter; add more later for steaming)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (for batter; plus extra for griddle)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (double‑acting)
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt (fine grain)
- 1 cup All‑Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for serving, cut into pats)
- 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup (optional topping)
- 2 tablespoons Strawberry Freezer Jam (optional topping; homemade or store‑bought)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Measure out all ingredients and set out the mixing bowl, whisk, measuring tools, ice‑cream scoop, griddle, spatula, brush and lid.
Time: PT2M
Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, water and vegetable oil to the mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is thick and uniform.
Time: PT3M
Add Sweeteners and Leavening
Stir in the granulated sugar, baking powder and kosher salt until just incorporated.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Flour
Add the sifted all‑purpose flour to the bowl and gently stir until a thick, dough‑like batter forms.
Time: PT2M
Preheat the Griddle
Place the non‑stick griddle over medium heat and let it warm up to about 300°F (150°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 300°F
Lightly Oil the Griddle
Using the brush, spread a thin layer of vegetable oil over the griddle surface.
Time: PT1M
Scoop Batter onto Griddle
Dip the ice‑cream scoop into the batter and drop even mounds (about ¼ cup each) onto the hot griddle, spacing them apart.
Time: PT5M
Cook First Side
Let the pancakes cook for 1–2 minutes, until the edges set and the bottom is golden brown.
Time: PT2M
Flip and Cook Second Side
Flip each pancake with the spatula and cook another 1–2 minutes until the second side is golden.
Time: PT2M
Steam to Finish Interior
Pour 2 teaspoons of water around the pancakes, cover with the lid, and steam for about 1 minute to ensure the centre is fully cooked.
Time: PT1M
Plate and Serve
Transfer the pancakes to a plate, add a pat of butter, and drizzle with maple syrup or strawberry jam as desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 375
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, High protein, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cottage Cheese: Ricotta, Farmer's cheese
- Instead of Greek‑Style Yogurt: Regular Greek yogurt, Plain yogurt strained through cheesecloth
- Instead of Eggs: Egg replacer (may affect texture)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Melted butter, Canola oil
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking soda + cream of tartar (½ tsp + ¼ tsp)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour (will be denser)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Pure Maple Syrup: Honey, Agave nectar
- Instead of Strawberry Freezer Jam: Any fruit jam
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Ice Cream Scoop
- Non‑Stick Griddle or Skillet
- Spatula
- Brush
- Lid or Cover
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk wet ingredients until a thick, uniform mixture forms.
- Do not over‑mix after adding flour; the batter should stay thick.
- Steam the pancakes briefly with a lid to finish cooking the interior.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use an ice‑cream scoop for perfectly even pancakes.
- If the griddle has hot spots, rotate the pancakes during cooking to ensure even browning.
- A pinch of extra vanilla extract (optional) adds subtle flavor without affecting texture.
Troubleshooting
Batter is too runny.
Add a little more flour (1‑2 tbsp) until the batter reaches a thick, spoon‑able consistency.
Pancakes stick to the griddle.
Make sure the griddle is properly preheated and lightly oiled; add a touch more oil if needed.
Center remains doughy after flipping.
Finish with the steam step (add water and cover) for an extra minute to cook the interior through.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; keep for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Not recommended; pancakes may become stale quickly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool the pancakes completely, then freeze in a single layer before bagging.
- Reheat frozen pancakes in a toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of siniki in Eastern Slavic cuisine?
Siniki are traditional cottage‑cheese pancakes from the Eastern Slavic region (Ukraine, Belarus, and parts of Russia). Historically they were a farmhouse breakfast, using fresh curd cheese to add protein and moisture to the batter, and were often served with sour cream or fruit preserves.
What are the traditional regional variations of siniki in Eastern European cuisine?
In Ukraine, siniki are often made with farmer’s cheese and served with honey. In Belarus, they may include raisins or poppy seeds. Some Russian versions add a touch of sour cream to the batter for extra tang.
How is siniki traditionally served in its native culture?
Traditionally, siniki are served hot, dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with sour cream, honey, or fruit preserves. They are a popular breakfast or snack during holidays and family gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations is siniki associated with in Eastern Slavic culture?
Siniki are commonly prepared for Easter, harvest festivals, and family brunches. Their protein‑rich nature made them a hearty option for festive mornings when guests stayed late.
What makes cottage cheese pancakes unique in Eastern European cuisine?
The addition of fresh cottage cheese gives the pancakes a dense yet tender crumb, a subtle tang, and a boost of protein that sets them apart from typical wheat‑only pancakes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cottage cheese pancakes from the YouTube channel emmymade?
Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which creates a tough texture, using too much water which makes the batter runny, and skipping the steam step, which can leave the centre raw.
Why does this cottage cheese pancake recipe use a brief steam step instead of cooking the batter longer on the griddle?
The steam step gently finishes cooking the thick interior without over‑browning the exterior, preserving the fluffy height while ensuring the pancake is fully cooked through.
Can I make these cottage cheese pancakes ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, cool the pancakes completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a zip‑top bag. Reheat in a toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast.
What does the YouTube channel emmymade specialize in?
The YouTube channel emmymade specializes in approachable home‑cooking videos that often highlight high‑protein, dairy‑rich recipes and creative twists on classic comfort foods.
How does the YouTube channel emmymade's approach to Eastern European cooking differ from other cooking channels?
emmymade blends modern nutrition trends—like boosting protein—with authentic Eastern European dishes, offering clear step‑by‑step visuals and practical tips such as using an ice‑cream scoop for uniform pancakes.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
