MINI SOFT CHEESE-STUFFED ROLLS — FLUFFY, DELICIOUS, AND KID-FRIENDLY PICNIC TREATS

These irresistibly fluffy mini rolls filled with a creamy fresh cheese mixture are perfect for satisfying the child in all of us. Ideal for picnics, lunches, or casual snacks, they’re easy to make in batches and fun to share.

🕒 Prep Time: 30 min

⏲️ Rising Time: 2 hours (in two stages)
⏲️ Baking Time: 15 min
🍽️ Yields: About 30 mini rolls

Ingredients

Dough:

100 ml warm water
¾ packet dry yeast (5 g)
100 ml warm milk
20 g sugar
1 large egg
375 g all-purpose flour (type BL55)
½ teaspoon salt

Filling:

150 g fresh cow cheese (or ricotta)
1 small egg
1 generous sprig fresh dill, finely chopped
1 green onion, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast

Dissolve yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm water. Let sit in a warm place until foamy (about 10 minutes).

2. Prepare Dough

Bread machine: Add ingredients in order listed (beat egg separately before adding). Use dough/knead and rise program.
By hand: Beat egg well, then add milk, sugar, and risen yeast. Gradually incorporate flour in 3–4 batches, mixing thoroughly. Knead for 10–15 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer until dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).

3. Second Rise

Turn dough onto floured surface and gently flatten just enough to fold into quarters.
Return folded dough to bowl or bread machine pan and let rise again until doubled (about 1 hour).

4. Prepare Filling

Crumble cheese with a fork until soft.
Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.
Add egg and mix well.
Stir in finely chopped green onion and dill.
If cheese is too dry and crumbly, add a bit of sour cream to bind.

5. Shape Rolls

Turn dough onto floured surface. Roll into a rough log, aiming for uniform thickness.
Cut the log into ping-pong ball-sized pieces.
Flatten each piece in your palm, place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center.
Pinch edges together tightly to seal and gently roll into an elongated bun shape.
Place buns seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced apart.

6. Final Rise

Cover trays with plastic bags and let rise in a warm place for about 25 minutes.

7. Bake

Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
Bake for 15 minutes or until buns are lightly golden on top.

💡 Tips

Use fresh, mild cheese for the creamiest filling.
Gently roll and seal buns to prevent filling leakage during baking.
These rolls freeze well — reheat gently to restore softness.

🎉 Perfect For

Kid-friendly snacks and lunchboxes
Picnic baskets and casual gatherings
Party platters and appetizers

📝 Final Thoughts

These mini cheese-stuffed rolls are fluffy, flavorful, and incredibly cute—making them the perfect portable treat for picnics or anytime you want a comforting bite of homemade goodness.