Cumin Cheese Buns

Warm, soft, and filled with the inviting aroma of cheese and cumin, these buns are a delightful treat to start the morning or serve as an afternoon snack. Simple to prepare yet rich in flavor, Cumin Cheese Buns bring together creamy curd, fragrant herbs, and the subtle warmth of cumin cheese for a pastry that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

This recipe combines rustic ingredients with a touch of homemade charm. The result is a batch of tender buns that are golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with cheesy goodness. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or lightly toasted later in the day, they’re perfect alongside tea, coffee, or even a light soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Foundational Ingredients

200 grams of skim milk curd
80 grams of egg white (about the equivalent of two egg whites)
45 grams of whole grain flour (corn flour works beautifully here)
1 teaspoon baking powder
A pinch of herb salt or spices from Provence (for subtle aromatic flavor)

Filling Ingredients

100 milligrams of skim milk curd
200 grams of cumin cheese (preferably 10% fat)
80 grams of egg white
40 whole scallions, finely chopped
Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Begin by combining the skim milk curd, egg whites, whole grain flour, baking powder, and herbs in a large bowl. The mixture should be soft but not sticky. If your curd has more moisture than usual, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a dough that holds together but remains tender.

The curd serves as the base of this dough, creating a light texture and giving the buns their subtle tang. The egg whites act as a binder, keeping the dough airy while maintaining structure. Baking powder ensures the buns puff up gently during baking, giving them that soft, bread-like finish.

Once the ingredients are well mixed, let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. This brief resting period allows the flour to absorb the moisture from the curd and eggs, making it easier to shape later.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

In another bowl, combine the filling ingredients: skim milk curd, cumin cheese, egg whites, chopped scallions, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until the ingredients are well distributed.

The cumin cheese is the heart of this recipe, adding a slightly earthy, nutty, and aromatic flavor that balances the curd’s mild creaminess. The scallions provide a fresh green note that brightens every bite. You can adjust the salt level according to your taste and the saltiness of your cheese.

If you prefer a spicier kick, you can also add a pinch of black pepper or crushed caraway seeds to enhance the flavor depth.

Step 3: Assembling the Buns

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Divide the dough into small equal portions—roughly the size of a golf ball if you want bite-sized buns, or slightly larger if you prefer a more substantial serving. Flatten each piece of dough slightly and place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center.

Gently fold the edges over the filling, pinching to seal it inside. Shape the dough into a smooth ball or oval, depending on your preference. Arrange the buns on the prepared baking tray, leaving a bit of space between them to allow for rising as they bake.

Step 4: Baking

Brush the tops lightly with a little milk or melted butter to give them a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until the buns are puffed, golden-brown, and slightly crisp on the outside.

As they bake, the aroma of cumin and herbs will fill your kitchen — a scent that promises something both comforting and special. Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Cumin Cheese Buns are best enjoyed warm, when the filling is still creamy and fragrant. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a savory addition to a breakfast spread.

For lunch, they complement a bowl of tomato soup, a crisp salad, or even roasted vegetables. Their slightly tangy, cheesy filling makes them versatile enough to serve as a snack, light meal, or side dish.

If you want to make them feel even more indulgent, drizzle a touch of olive oil over the top before baking, or sprinkle sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Tips for Success

Drain your curd well: If your curd is too watery, the dough will become sticky. Press it lightly with paper towels to remove excess moisture before mixing.
Choose flavorful cheese: Cumin cheese provides the signature aroma, but you can substitute it with a mild semi-soft cheese and add your own cumin or caraway seeds if needed.
Add herbs wisely: A touch of herbs from Provence or thyme complements the cheese perfectly without overpowering it.
Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the color — golden brown is perfect. Overbaking can dry out the filling.
Let them rest: A few minutes of cooling after baking helps the filling settle and prevents burns from hot cheese.

Variations to Try

Spicy Cumin Buns: Add chili flakes or paprika to the filling for a bolder kick.
Sweet-Savory Twist: Mix a touch of honey into the curd filling to balance the cumin’s warmth.
Whole Grain Upgrade: Use rye or spelt flour instead of corn for a nuttier texture.
Vegetarian Delight: Add chopped spinach, grated zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

These buns store well for up to three days when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes until warm.

For longer storage, freeze the buns individually and reheat straight from frozen at 325°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes. They retain their soft texture and cheesy aroma beautifully when reheated.

Why These Buns Stand Out

What makes these Cumin Cheese Buns unique is their perfect balance of flavors — creamy curd, herbal notes, and that unmistakable cumin aroma that makes them both rustic and refined. The simplicity of the dough, combined with the complex flavor of the filling, turns an ordinary set of ingredients into something special.

They’re also healthy, made with skim milk curd and egg whites, offering a protein-rich alternative to traditional pastry buns. Every bite feels light but satisfying, making them suitable for any time of day.

Final Thoughts

Cumin Cheese Buns are a celebration of homemade simplicity. From the gentle tang of the curd to the aromatic burst of cumin and herbs, they bring warmth and comfort to your table.

Serve them for breakfast, pack them for a picnic, or enjoy them as a snack when you crave something savory and wholesome. These buns prove that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something truly delicious — just a bit of care, patience, and the right balance of flavor.

They’re rustic, fragrant, and irresistibly good — a timeless recipe that brings together the best of simple, home-baked goodness.