Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 cup hazelnut spread; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Classic Meals

I’ve always loved brownies, but I was curious about how to make them healthier without sacrificing flavor. That’s when I decided to experiment with cottage cheese as a base. These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread are not only rich and fudgy but also give a protein boost that is perfect for a guilt-free indulgence. If you're looking for a treat that's both delightful and nutritious, this recipe is a must-try!

Created by

Xenia Radcliffe

Last updated on 2026-01-11T15:33:36.254Z

During my recent baking adventure, I wanted to create a healthier brownie recipe. I stumbled upon using cottage cheese as a secret ingredient, which not only adds creaminess but also reduces the fat content. The result was a brownie that is fudgy and satisfying, with a delightful hint of hazelnut from the spread.

While testing the recipe, I learned that blending the cottage cheese until smooth is crucial. It makes the brownies incredibly moist and gives them a rich texture. This is a perfect dessert for anyone who wants to indulge without the usual guilt of traditional brownies!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy hazelnut spread
Protein-packed with the addition of cottage cheese
Fudgy texture that satisfies any chocolate craving

      

Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese

Using cottage cheese in brownies not only contributes to a unique fudgy texture but also significantly increases the protein content of this dessert. By blending the cottage cheese until completely smooth, you eliminate any curds that might disrupt the brownie’s density. I recommend using a high-quality, full-fat cottage cheese to enhance the creaminess and flavor, while lower-fat options can also work if you're watching your calories.

The moisture from cottage cheese is essential for achieving that rich brownie consistency. If you find yourself without cottage cheese, Greek yogurt could be a suitable substitute, although it may introduce a slightly tangier flavor.

After blending it with other ingredients, look for a thick, creamy consistency that will set the foundation for your brownies. This will ensure a delectable texture that contrasts beautifully with the nutty flavor of hazelnut spread.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

When baking brownies, be mindful of the bake time. Undercooking slightly can ensure they remain fudgy, but be careful not to leave them too wet in the center. In general, aiming for 25 minutes is ideal, but your oven's exact temperature can influence this. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick: it should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.

Another vital tip is to allow your brownies to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before cutting. This resting period helps the brownies firm up and makes slicing much easier without them crumbling apart. If you're eager to dig in, try running a knife around the edges before cooling to prevent sticking.

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding espresso powder to the dry ingredients. This ingredient can amplify the existing chocolate notes without imparting a coffee flavor directly, creating a deeper, richer taste.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to mix up your brownie batter:

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup hazelnut spread
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your brownies:

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.

Blend the Base Ingredients

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, whole wheat flour, salt, and baking powder.

Mix Everything Together

Pour the blended wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Add the hazelnut spread and dark chocolate chips (if using) and mix gently.

Bake the Brownies

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy your delicious, guilt-free treats!

Now that your brownies are ready, dig in!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. It enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully!

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

If you're looking for a standalone brownie experience without the hazelnut spread, you can omit it and add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Alternatively, you could substitute the hazelnut spread with almond butter or sunflower seed butter to accommodate nut allergies while still achieving a creamy, rich consistency.

For those who want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that's compatible with baking, such as erythritol or stevia, but be cautious with the ratios as these can differ. Also, using unsweetened cocoa powder increases the chocolate flavor without sweetness, making it a great exchange for any sugar-based ingredients.

Whole wheat flour adds nutrition and a lovely texture, but for a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or oat flour. Keep in mind that you might need to adjust the liquid slightly since different flours absorb moisture differently.

Storage and Reheating Recommendations

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For extended freshness, place them in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

If you want to make them ahead of time, consider freezing the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They can stay good for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly baked experience.

For serving, try warming each brownie slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Drizzling extra hazelnut spread over the top can elevate the indulgence and create a dessert that feels extravagant yet remains healthy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt instead; it will yield a different texture, but still delicious.

→ How should I store these brownies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

You can use flax eggs as an alternative for the eggs and substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan version.