Syrniki (Ukrainian and Russian Farmer Cheese Pancakes)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Breakfast Pancakes waffles french toast Vanilla: Extract Easy

Syrniki (Ukrainian and Russian Farmer Cheese Pancakes)

Dry farmer cheese is mixed with an egg, a little flour and sugar and fried until golden outside and creamy inside. Served with sour cream and jam. Makes 12 pancakes in about 25 minutes.

Prep 15 min

Cook 10 min

Total 25 min

Yield 12 pancakes

Ingredients

Adjust yield

pancakes

1 lb (500 g)farmer cheese (tvorog) or dry cottage cheese, well drained and mashed
1 (50 g)egg
3 tbsp (40 g)sugar
½ cup (60 g)all-purpose flour, plus 30 g for dredging
1 tsp (5 ml)vanilla extract
1 pinchfine salt
3 tbsp (45 ml)neutral oil
½ cup (120 g)sour cream
⅓ cup (100 g)smooth seedless jam

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Instructions

Press the cheese through a sieve or mash it very well, squeezing out excess moisture in a clean towel if it is wet.
Stir in the egg, sugar, 60 g flour, vanilla and salt until you have a soft dough that holds its shape.
With floured hands, shape into 12 patties about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick and dredge lightly in the remaining flour.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Fry in batches 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden and cooked through.
Drain briefly on paper towels and serve warm with sour cream and jam.

Tips

Dry cheese is the key; a wet cheese makes patties that fall apart.
Keep the heat at medium so the centers cook before the outside burns.
Add a spoonful of flour if the mix is too loose.
Cook until browned and hot through; refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make syrniki (ukrainian and russian farmer cheese pancakes)?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes 12 pancakes.

How should I store syrniki (ukrainian and russian farmer cheese pancakes)?

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet or oven.

Can I make syrniki (ukrainian and russian farmer cheese pancakes) ahead?

It is at its best the day it is made; prepare it a few hours before serving.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Serve it with black tea.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 12 servings this recipe makes.

152 Calories / serving

7.6g Fat

15.1g Carbs

5.9g Protein

9.5g Sugar

Whole recipe (12 servings): ~1824 cal · 91g fat · 181g carbs · 71g protein · 114g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.