Name: cottage cheese brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup all purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted; 2 eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Last week I tried to make something sweet after a long day and I was honestly just craving chocolate so badly because the kids were asking for a treat and the fridge was looking sad with only a few things left so I looked around and found this one lonely tub of that creamy white cheese I had bought for toast but never used so I thought why not use it in a chocolate bake and see what happens and wow it turned out way better than I imagined.

I’ll be real the first time I made it I forgot to melt the butter completely and the batter looked weird and lumpy and I almost threw it away but I didn’t because my daughter said it smelled amazing so I baked it anyway and it came out fudgy and soft in the middle and honestly it was a happy accident because that texture was so good and everyone thought I planned it that way.

Now it’s kind of our weekend thing and the kids take turns helping me stir the batter because they love watching the cheese disappear into the chocolate and it feels like a little science project and I have to admit I always end up with cocoa on my shirt and some flour on my face but it’s worth it every single time.

The best part is how soft and creamy it comes out when it cools a little and the smell fills the kitchen and my husband always sneaks in before dinner just to take a piece and says he’ll only have one bite but then half the tray is gone and I can’t even be mad because I do the same thing when no one’s looking.

If you’re wondering what to eat with this you can try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some caramel on top or add whipped cream and fresh berries or serve it with warm milk for the kids or hot coffee for yourself and one time I even had a slice next to my Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe because I couldn’t decide which one I wanted more and they both tasted amazing and you can also crumble some pieces over yogurt or mix them into a milkshake because honestly everything tastes better with a little chocolate.

One time I thought I’d be clever and double the recipe for a party and I didn’t have a bigger pan so I just poured it all into the same one and it took forever to bake and the middle stayed gooey while the edges got chewy but everyone loved it anyway and said it tasted like a fancy dessert and I just laughed because it was totally unplanned and that’s what makes baking fun.

I’ve learned that this treat doesn’t have to look perfect to taste perfect and every time I make it I remember that the little messy moments and funny mistakes are what make the kitchen feel alive and happy and that’s what I love most about it.

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Ingredients notes

Cottage cheese is the soft creamy cheese that makes the brownies moist and rich
Flour helps the brownies hold their shape so they don’t fall apart
Cocoa powder gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor that kids love
Sugar makes the brownies sweet and yummy
Butter keeps the brownies soft inside
Eggs help everything mix together well and make the brownies fluffy
Milk makes the batter smooth and easy to stir
Vanilla extract adds a nice sweet smell and flavor
Baking powder helps the brownies rise a little so they are not too dense
Salt balances the sweetness so the chocolate tastes even better
Chocolate chips melt inside the brownies and make them gooey and fun to eat

How to make cottage cheese brownies ?

Step 1: prepare the oven and pans

Turn on your oven to 350°F so it can get hot while you get ready and then grease a square baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper so the brownies don’t stick when you bake them.

Step 2: mix the dry ingredients

In a big bowl add the flour and cocoa powder and sugar and baking powder and salt then stir everything together so it looks all the same color and no lumps are left.

Step 3: blend the cottage cheese mixture

Put the cottage cheese and melted butter and milk and vanilla extract and eggs into a blender or food processor and then blend until it looks smooth and creamy because this will make the brownies soft.

Step 4: combine wet and dry ingredients

Pour the smooth cottage cheese mix into the bowl with the dry ingredients and then stir gently with a spoon or spatula until everything is mixed and you can’t see any dry flour left.

Step 5: add the chocolate chips

Drop in the chocolate chips and mix them in so they are spread all through the brownie batter so you get melty bits in every bite.

Step 6: pour and bake

Pour the batter into the greased pan and spread it evenly so it bakes nicely and then put the pan in the hot oven for about 25 to 30 minutes until the top looks set and shiny.

Step 7: cool and serve

Take the pan out of the oven and let it cool down for about 10 minutes and then cut the brownies into squares and enjoy them warm or let them cool completely to store.

Kitchen equipment needed:

Mixing bowls
Blender or food processor
Spatula or spoon
Measuring cups
Baking pan
Oven mitts

Storage options

You can keep your cottage cheese brownies in a closed box at room temperature for up to two days so they stay soft or put them in the fridge for up to five days so they last longer and you can also freeze them in a sealed bag for a month and warm them later in the microwave before eating.

Variations for cottage cheese brownies

You can add nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch or mix in a swirl of peanut butter on top before baking or try adding a spoon of instant coffee powder for a deeper chocolate taste or replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate or dried fruits for something different.

FAQs

What is cottage cheese brownies made of?

Cottage cheese brownies are made of soft cottage cheese mixed with cocoa powder flour sugar butter eggs and a few more simple ingredients that make them moist and chocolaty.

What does cottage cheese brownies taste like?

They taste like regular brownies but a little creamier and softer because of the cottage cheese and the chocolate flavor is still strong and sweet.

Can I use low fat cottage cheese?

Yes you can use low fat cottage cheese if you want a lighter version and it will still make your brownies soft and tasty.

Can I make them without eggs?

Yes you can replace the eggs with mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce and it will still work but the texture may be a little different.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a blender?

Yes you can use a hand mixer if you do not have a blender just make sure the cottage cheese looks smooth and creamy before mixing with the dry ingredients.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

You can check by putting a toothpick in the middle and if it comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs then your brownies are ready.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes you can double the ingredients if you want to make more just bake them in a bigger pan and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Are cottage cheese brownies healthy?

They are a little healthier than regular brownies because the cottage cheese adds protein and makes them moist without needing too much butter.