Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Oven Planning

I love experimenting with healthy dessert options, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon have become a favorite! They are a delightful blend of rich chocolate flavor and a hint of warm cinnamon, but the best part is that they use cottage cheese, making them a nutritious alternative without sacrificing taste. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a sweet indulgence that won't derail their healthy eating goals. Let me walk you through how to create these delicious treats to impress your friends and family!

Created by

Questa Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:15:36.162Z

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, I was amazed at how moist and fudgy they turned out. The creaminess of the cottage cheese adds so much richness without the extra fat of traditional recipes. I recommend using a good quality cocoa powder, as it truly elevates the brownie flavor. Additionally, ensuring that the cottage cheese is well-blended will create that velvety texture that is so delightful!

One trick I learned is to mix the ingredients until just combined; over-mixing can lead to denser brownies. I also love the warmth that cinnamon adds, as it pairs so wonderfully with chocolate. Whether you treat yourself or share these with loved ones, they are sure to impress!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor enhanced by warm cinnamon notes
Creamy texture thanks to the cottage cheese
Healthier dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste

Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese plays a pivotal role in these brownies, adding moisture and a creamy texture that you wouldn’t typically associate with a healthier dessert. The protein content in cottage cheese not only boosts the nutritional value but also helps to create a fudgy consistency that complements the dark chocolate perfectly. If you’re ever wondering how to make your brownies more nutritious without sacrificing texture, cottage cheese is a game-changer.

When selecting cottage cheese, opt for the small curd variety for a smoother blend in your brownie batter. If you're looking to make these brownies even lower in fat, you can use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly milder, so a pinch of extra cinnamon or vanilla can help enhance the overall taste.

Achieving the Perfect Bake

Baking time is crucial for achieving perfect brownies. You should start checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark, using a toothpick inserted in the center. You're looking for a few moist crumbs to cling to the toothpick—not wet batter, which indicates they need a few more minutes. The edges should pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, and you’ll notice a subtly shiny surface on top when they’re ready.

Be mindful of your oven's temperature; using an oven thermometer can ensure that it's accurate, as even a slight variation can change your baking time. If you find your brownies are baking unevenly, try rotating the pan halfway through the baking process. This simple step can help promote even cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots.

Ingredients

Brownie Batter

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

These simple ingredients come together to create a uniquely delicious treat!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.

Blend Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a blender or a food processor for a smooth texture.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

Serve these brownies warm for an extra delicious experience!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter. It enhances the chocolate taste beautifully!

Storage Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.

If you're planning to make these brownies ahead of time or want to save some for later, they freeze beautifully. Cut the brownies into squares, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container, and freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Variation Ideas

To elevate your Cottage Cheese Brownies, consider adding a swirl of peanut butter or almond butter to the batter before baking. This not only adds a wonderful nutty flavor but also an additional layer of creaminess. Just dollop some nut butter on top of the batter and use a knife to gently swirl it in—be careful not to overmix.

Another fantastic variation is to incorporate nuts or dried fruits into the batter, such as walnuts, pecans, or even dried cherries. This can add texture and a pop of flavor that complements the chocolate and cinnamon beautifully. Just make sure to keep the total mix-ins under 1 cup to maintain the right batter consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe without compromising the texture.

→ What can I substitute for sugar?

You can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, adjusting the amount according to taste.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

→ Can I add nuts to the brownies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition for extra texture.