Cozonac with cheese

Cozonac with Cheese - a traditional recipe that brings joy and warmth to every home! This dessert, popular in many cultures, is often associated with holidays and special moments spent with family. Its enticing aroma and delicious filling turn any meal into a true celebration. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare a perfect cheese cozonac that will impress everyone!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 300 ml lukewarm milk
- 150 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 50 g butter at room temperature
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 2500 g cottage cheese (or well-drained sweet cheese)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 150 g sugar (or to taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons of rum essence (to taste)

For caramelization:
- 5 tablespoons of sugar

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the salt, crumbled yeast, and a little lukewarm milk. Gently mix with a fork to combine the ingredients, then cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 15 minutes. This step is essential to activate the yeast, allowing the dough to rise beautifully.

2. Completing the dough
After the yeast has activated, add the remaining milk, beaten egg, sugar, soft butter, and vanilla sugar. Knead the dough with your hands or using a mixer with a dough hook for 10-15 minutes. If necessary, add a little more flour until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. A good technique is to knead it on a lightly floured surface to achieve the perfect texture.

3. Letting the dough rise
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, until the dough doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the beaten eggs, the two tablespoons of flour, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Add the rum essence for extra flavor. Use a fork to combine the ingredients until you achieve a smooth mixture. If the filling is too wet, you can add a little extra flour.

5. Shaping the cozonac
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Carefully roll the dough starting from one side to form a log. Make sure the filling is well wrapped in the dough.

6. Cutting and arranging
Cut the log into pieces about 5-8 cm long. Place them in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, where you have caramelized 5 tablespoons of sugar (heat the sugar in a pan until it becomes liquid and golden, then pour it into the dish). Cover the dish with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the cozonaci have risen, place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the cozonac is golden and well browned. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cozonac is ready.

8. Cooling and serving
Let the cozonac cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a more decorative look.

Useful tips

- Choosing the cheese: Cottage cheese is ideal for the filling, but you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor. Make sure the cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-wet filling.
- Rum essence: You can substitute rum essence with vanilla essence for a milder aroma. If you want a more intense flavor, add a little grated lemon or orange zest.
- Kneading: Thorough kneading is key to an elastic dough. Don't rush this step; well-kneaded dough will have the perfect texture.
- Variations: You can add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for an extra texture and flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of cheese cozonac has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and the type of cheese used. This dessert is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, but it is important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar content.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but it may affect the texture of the dough.

2. How can I keep the cozonac fresh?
The cozonac keeps well wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container at room temperature. It can be consumed for 3-4 days.

3. Can I freeze the cozonac?
Absolutely! The cozonac can be frozen. I recommend slicing it before freezing so you can take only what you need.

Serving suggestion

Cheese cozonac is delicious served plain, but you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce to enhance its flavor. A cup of hot tea or coffee pairs perfectly with this dessert.

In conclusion, cheese cozonac is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will bring a touch of magic to every meal. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 2500 g cheese, 2 eggs, 150 g sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, rum essence, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 500 g flour, 1 cube yeast, 300 ml milk, vanilla sugar, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 egg, 50 g butter at room temperature

 Tags:  sweet bread christmas recipes