If you love soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies but want a healthier alternative, these Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect! Thanks to the cottage cheese in the dough, they’re packed with protein, lower in fat, and have a rich, creamy texture.
Cottage cheese is an excellent baking ingredient because it adds moisture, protein, and a slight tang that enhances the overall flavor of baked goods. If you’re wondering about its nutritional benefits, check out this guide on cottage cheese’s health benefits. Additionally, choosing the right chocolate can make a big difference in flavor and texture—learn how to pick the best chocolate for baking.
If you’re a fan of protein-packed desserts, you should also try these Cottage Cheese Brownies, which are just as delicious but have a fudgy, chocolatey twist!
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Cookies
High in Protein, Low in Fat
- Cottage cheese provides a natural protein boost, making these cookies a great post-workout snack.
- They contain less butter and sugar than traditional cookies.
Soft, Chewy, and Moist
- Blended cottage cheese makes these cookies incredibly soft and moist.
- The chocolate chips melt flawlessly into the creamy dough.
Easy to Customize
- Make them gluten-free, keto-friendly, or vegan with simple swaps!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
- ½ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups almond flour (or all-purpose flour for a classic version)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or sugar-free)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (or melted butter)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- Protein powder (for an extra protein boost)
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (for added warmth)
- Chopped nuts (for crunch)
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Blend the Cottage Cheese
- Mix cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and coconut oil until smooth in a food processor or blender.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Combine almond flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
Combine & Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Add the blended cottage cheese mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop and Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Cookies
- Blend cottage cheese well for a smooth dough.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies.
- Use sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb version.
- Adjust the baking time for a crispy or softer texture.
Variations to Try
Black and White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- For a fun chocolate twist, try these Black and White Chocolate Chip Cookies, which feature a mix of dark and white chocolate chunks!
Gluten-Free Version
- Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Keto-Friendly Cookies
- Replace maple syrup with erythritol.
- Use sugar-free chocolate chips.
Vegan Cottage Cheese Cookies
- Swap dairy-free cottage cheese and use a flax egg.
How to Store & Serve Cottage Cheese Cookies
Storage Tips:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months!
Best Ways to Serve:
- Enjoy with a glass of almond milk or coffee.
- Crumble over Greek yogurt for a protein-packed dessert.
- Serve alongside a Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake for the ultimate indulgence!
FAQs
1. Can I substitute ricotta for cottage cheese?
Yes, but ricotta is thicker and has a higher fat content, so you may need to adjust the liquid ratio.
2. Do I need to blend cottage cheese?
Blending ensures a smooth texture—if you don’t blend, the cookies may have curds in the dough.
3. Are these cookies good for weight loss?
Yes! They are high in protein, lower in sugar, and keep you full longer.
4. Want more delicious desserts?
Check out the latest cookies!
Why You Need to Try This Recipe
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect balance of healthy and delicious! Their high protein content, soft texture, and customizable ingredients make them a must-try for anyone looking for a guilt-free treat.
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cups almond flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or sugar-free)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or melted butter
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 scoop protein powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped nuts
Instructions
Blend Wet Ingredients:
- In a food processor, blend cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut oil until smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk almond flour, baking soda, and salt (and protein powder if using).
Combine & Add Chocolate:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and optional add-ins.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1-tbsp dough balls onto the sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
Cool & Serve:
- Let cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
-
Storage:
- Room temperature: 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Dough or baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
-
Variations:
- Keto: Use erythritol and sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Vegan: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and flax eggs.
- Gluten-Free: Stick with almond flour.
- Tip: Chill dough 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
