Oh my goodness, do I have a delightful treat for you today – Cottage Cheese Brownies! You might be raising an eyebrow at the thought of cottage cheese in brownies, but trust me, these gooey delights are not just delicious; they’re also a fantastic way to indulge your sweet tooth without all the guilt. I stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago during one of my many kitchen experiments. At first, I was hesitant. I mean, who puts cottage cheese in brownies? But after one bite, I was hooked! It’s like a secret health hack that tastes like pure indulgence.
These brownies remind me of cozy afternoons spent baking with friends. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about whipping up a batch of something sweet and watching the joy on everyone’s face when they take their first bite. Plus, they’re so easy to make! Just a quick blend in the food processor, and you’re good to go. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to keep these on your baked goods list!
What’s in Cottage Cheese Brownies?
Cottage Cheese: The star ingredient! Not only does it add a creamy texture, but it also brings a hefty dose of protein. I prefer using low-fat cottage cheese to keep things light, but any variety works.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is what gives our brownies that rich chocolate flavor without adding any unnecessary sugar. I like to use a good quality cocoa powder like Ghirardelli for an intense chocolate experience.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A delightful mix! The granulated sugar sweetens the brownies, while the brown sugar adds depth and a hint of rich molasses flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Just the basic flour to help bind everything together and give the brownies their chewy texture.
Baking Powder: This little leavener gives the brownies a nice rise and keeps them from being too dense.
Salt: Trust me, a pinch of salt is essential to balance out the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla is like a warm hug for your brownies, adding a lovely aromatic quality to each bite.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Oh, the chocolate chips! Adding these to the batter and sprinkling some on top just makes everything better. I usually opt for Ghirardelli or Nestlé Tollhouse for that classic taste.
Is Cottage Cheese Brownies Good for You?
You might think brownies are a no-no, but these little squares of joy are a delightful mix of indulgence and nutrition!
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient is rich in protein and calcium, making it a great addition to your diet, especially for those looking to increase their protein intake without too much fat.
Cocoa Powder: Did you know it’s packed with antioxidants? A small amount of cocoa in your diet can be beneficial for your heart health.
But let’s not kid ourselves – these brownies do contain sugar and flour, so moderation is key. You’ll get some protein from the cottage cheese, but it’s still a dessert. So, enjoy them guilt-free, but maybe save a little for later!
Ingredients
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
*Serves: 9 Squares*
How to Make Cottage Cheese Brownies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Don’t be scared to let it whirl for a minute to get all those clumps out!
3. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter. You can feel free to add more if you’re feeling adventurous!
4. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top – because more chocolate is always a good thing.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Just a few crumbs stuck to it is perfect.
6. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Patience is a virtue, my friend!
7. Enjoy your delicious and protein-packed cottage cheese brownies!
Brownie Bliss: Tips and Tricks!
– Want a little flavor twist? Add a handful of chopped nuts or swirl in some peanut butter.
– Store any leftovers (if there are any) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re feeling fancy, pop them in the fridge to chill for an extra fudgy treat.
– These brownies are perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top if you’re in the mood for something extra special.
So what are you waiting for? Gather those ingredients, throw on your favorite apron, and whip up a batch of these Cottage Cheese Brownies. I promise you; once you make them, you’ll keep coming back for more! And don’t forget to let me know how they turn out; I love hearing about your baking adventures!
