Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup hazelnut spread; Chopped hazelnuts for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Everyday Baking Inspiration

I recently discovered the magic of using cottage cheese in brownies, and it has completely transformed my dessert game. These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread are not only incredibly rich and fudgy, but they also offer a delightful protein boost with every bite. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and luscious hazelnut spread creates a unique flavor profile that satisfies my chocolate cravings while feeling surprisingly light. Trust me, you’ll be eager to share these brownies with family and friends!

Created by

Kate Phillips

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:20:37.260Z

When I first attempted to incorporate cottage cheese into brownies, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it blended with the chocolate. I used a high-quality cocoa powder, ensuring a deep, rich flavor that masked any notions of cottage cheese. The result was a decadent, fudgy brownie that my family could not believe was made with this unique ingredient!

One of the key tips I learned during this process was to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly to ensure a smooth texture. This method not only enhances the overall consistency of the brownies but also allows the wetlands from the cheese to complement the dry ingredients perfectly, creating a treat that feels indulgent yet healthy!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Unique combination of protein-rich cottage cheese and creamy hazelnut spread
Decadent texture that feels indulgent without the guilt
Perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings in a healthier way

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these brownies, elevating their nutritional profile significantly. It adds moisture and richness without the heavy calories of traditional oils and butters. This soft cheese is rich in protein, which can help you feel full longer, making these brownies a satisfying treat. Using low-fat cottage cheese can further enhance the health factor without compromising on flavor or texture.

Blending cottage cheese into the brownie batter creates a smooth consistency that mimics traditional heavy bases while keeping the mixture light. As it bakes, the cottage cheese contributes to a fudgy texture and prevents the brownies from becoming dry or crumbly. This unique ingredient not only improves the nutrition of the brownies but also their overall indulgence.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the perfect brownie texture can sometimes be tricky. Be careful not to overmix the batter once the ingredients are combined; this can lead to tough brownies instead of the desired fudgy result. You want to blend just until everything is smoothly incorporated, allowing some air to remain in the mixture for a light texture. If you notice the batter is too thick, a splash of milk can help achieve the right consistency without affecting the flavor.

You'll know the brownies are ready to come out of the oven when the edges appear set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, rather than wet batter. If the toothpick comes out clean, your brownies may end up too dry. Keep a close watch on baking time, as oven variations can affect results.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

For the Hazelnut Spread Topping

1/2 cup hazelnut spread
Chopped hazelnuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine cottage cheese, cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Add Topping

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread a layer of hazelnut spread over the top and garnish with chopped hazelnuts if desired.

Slice and Serve

Slice the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious and healthy treats!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder. You can also experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts into the brownie batter for added texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies store well, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert. After cooling, cut them into squares and layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to extend their life even longer, these brownies can be frozen. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen brownies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enhance their fudginess. Pairing them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with different flavors and add-ins for these brownies. Chopped chocolate or cocoa nibs can be mixed into the batter for an extra chocolate burst, while a sprinkle of sea salt on top can elevate the flavor profile significantly. If you're looking to incorporate some fruit, consider adding mashed bananas for added sweetness or even applesauce for moisture without additional fat.

For an extra nutty flavor, try using almond butter instead of hazelnut spread, or swirl in peanut butter for a delicious twist. You can also modify the recipe by replacing the honey or maple syrup with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly option.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese, but it may give a slightly different texture and flavor.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, they can be made gluten-free by ensuring you use gluten-free cocoa powder and checking the ingredients in your hazelnut spread.