If you’ve been on the lookout for a delightful treat that’s both indulgent and a bit on the lighter side, then the Baked Cottage Cheese Donuts with Glaze Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These donuts strike the perfect balance between light and fluffy with a subtle tang courtesy of the cottage cheese, all while being baked rather than fried to keep things guilt-free. The glossy, sweet glaze on top not only enhances their visual appeal but also adds that irresistible finishing touch you won’t be able to resist. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast or a special snack, these donuts are so easy to make and packed with so much flavor, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of your donuts. From the creaminess of the cottage cheese to the firmer structure provided by the flour, these essentials come together beautifully.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Adds moisture and a pleasant tang, making the donuts wonderfully tender and light.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The backbone for structure while keeping the crumb soft.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the batter just enough to balance the tang of the cheese.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Helps the donuts rise to a light, airy consistency.
- Baking soda (¼ tsp): Works alongside the baking powder to ensure perfect rise and golden color.
- Salt (pinch): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
- Optional cinnamon or nutmeg (½ tsp): Adds a cozy, spicy note if you want a flavor twist.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the luscious glaze that makes these donuts shine.
- Milk or heavy cream (2–3 tbsp): Adjusts glaze consistency and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp for glaze): A little extra vanilla to elevate the glaze flavor.
How to Make Baked Cottage Cheese Donuts with Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have the oven fully preheated so your donuts bake evenly. Lightly grease your donut pan or use non-stick spray to ensure your donuts pop out easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is mostly smooth, but don’t stress about small curds—they add to the characteristic texture and moisture.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and if you’re using them, the cinnamon or nutmeg. This step ensures that your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with care. The key here is to mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense rather than fluffy donuts. You want to keep that light texture where possible air pockets remain.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into each cavity of the donut pan, filling about three-quarters full. This gives them room to rise without spilling over and making a mess.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the donuts turn a light golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Whip Up the Glaze and Finish Your Donuts
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream for a richer version), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency to be just right, thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to coat. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze or simply drizzle it on top, then allow a few minutes for the glaze to set into a lovely shiny shell.
How to Serve Baked Cottage Cheese Donuts with Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your donuts even further, think about sprinkling some finely chopped nuts, such as toasted pecans or almonds, over the glaze before it sets. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few edible flowers can also add a beautiful and tasty touch.
Side Dishes
These donuts are perfect with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, pair them with fresh fruit or a fruit compote to complement the tang from the cottage cheese. A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side also pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these donuts on a rustic wooden platter with a scattering of fresh berries and mint leaves for a charming, inviting presentation. For parties, set up a donut bar with various glazes and toppings, letting guests customize their own Baked Cottage Cheese Donuts with Glaze Recipe creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their texture tender and glaze intact without getting soggy or dry.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked donuts without glaze. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When ready, thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or stored donuts, pop them into a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out and helps refresh their fluffy texture. Add glaze fresh after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese?
Absolutely! While full-fat cottage cheese gives the richest flavor and texture, low-fat versions work just fine. Non-fat may result in slightly drier donuts, so be mindful and don’t overbake.
Can I substitute flour for a gluten-free alternative?
Yes, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but results may vary in texture. Adding a little xanthan gum or another binder might help maintain structure if your blend doesn’t contain one.
Is it okay to use frozen cottage cheese?
It’s best to use fresh cottage cheese because freezing can alter its texture, making the batter less consistent. If you must use frozen, thaw and drain any excess liquid beforehand.
How thick should the glaze be?
Your glaze should be pourable but thick enough to stick gently to the donuts without running off immediately. Adjust with more powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin it until it looks like a shiny syrup.
Can I add other flavors to the glaze?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in citrus zest for brightness, a splash of coffee or almond extract, or even melted chocolate for a decadent twist on the classic glaze.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Baked Cottage Cheese Donuts with Glaze Recipe is such a rewarding experience—not only because the flavors hit that perfect mark of tangy, sweet, and fluffy but also because these donuts are a healthier alternative to traditional fried ones. With just a handful of basic ingredients and a simple process, you’ll have a batch of irresistible goodies perfect for any time of day. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these donuts become a centerpiece of your kitchen and your heart.
Print
Baked Cottage Cheese Donuts with Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Enjoy these light and fluffy baked cottage cheese donuts with a tangy richness that balances their sweetness perfectly. Baked instead of fried, they offer a guilt-free treat topped with a shiny, irresistible vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or lightly spray it with non-stick spray to prepare for baking.
- Mix wet ingredients. In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smoothish, small curds of cottage cheese are fine and add to texture.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.
- Combine. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Take care not to overmix, ensuring the batter remains light and fluffy.
- Fill the pan. Spoon the batter into the donut cavities of the prepared pan, filling each about three-quarters full for perfect donut shape and rise.
- Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the donuts are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency so that it is thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to coat the donuts.
- Glaze donuts. Either dip the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for 10–15 minutes before serving to form a thin, shiny shell.
Notes
- Use small-curd cottage cheese or pulse it in a blender for a smoother batter texture.
- Do not overbake to keep the donuts soft and light; they dry out quickly.
- Let the glaze sit and set for 10–15 minutes to create a nice coating.
- Try variations like chocolate glaze, adding fruit zest, or pumpkin pie spices for different flavor profiles.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle chopped nuts or toasted coconut over the glaze before it sets.
