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 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, pureed; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup melted coconut oil; Optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips for topping

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon because they bring a unique twist to traditional brownies. Using cottage cheese not only adds a delightful creaminess but also boosts the protein content, making these treats a little healthier. The warm notes of cinnamon enhance the chocolate flavor, creating a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to whip up and satisfy my sweet tooth without the guilt, making them a staple in my baking repertoire.

Created by

Elowen Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:31:36.350Z

When I first decided to use cottage cheese in brownies, I was nervous about how the texture would turn out. To my surprise, they came out incredibly moist and rich! The addition of cinnamon not only complements the chocolate but also adds an unexpected warmth that makes each bite heavenly.

I've learned that allowing the brownies to cool completely before slicing helps them hold together better. This is a great tip if you want those neat, defined edges that look attractive on a platter. Trust me, they’re worth the wait!

Why You Will Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor influenced by subtle spices
Creamy texture that is both indulgent and satisfying
A healthier twist using cottage cheese for added protein

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these brownies and plays a critical role beyond just adding moisture. Its high protein content not only complements the chocolate flavor but also creates a fudgy, creamy texture that distinguishes these brownies from traditional recipes. Pureeing the cottage cheese ensures a smooth batter, so you won’t have any curds disrupting the consistency. This step is essential for achieving that indulgent mouthfeel that makes these brownies so irresistible.

Additionally, cottage cheese acts as a natural binder in this recipe, helping to hold the ingredients together while reducing the overall fat content. This means you can enjoy a rich dessert without the guilt associated with typical brownies loaded with butter. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, silken tofu can be used as a substitute—just ensure to blend it until completely smooth to maintain that creamy texture.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the best texture in your Cottage Cheese Brownies is all about the mixing technique. When combining the dry and wet ingredients, take care not to overmix; it’s best to stir just until no flour streaks are visible. Overmixing can introduce excess air into the batter, leading to a cake-like brownie rather than the dense fudginess that’s typical of brownies. A rubber spatula works well for folding in the coconut oil and eggs, ensuring an even distribution without overworking the batter.

Baking time is also crucial—start checking the brownies at 20 minutes, inserting a toothpick in the center. You’re looking for moist crumbs, not wet batter; if the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are done. Don’t worry if the edges seem a bit golden—it’s part of their charm. Allowing them to cool completely in the pan will result in a firmer texture, making them easier to cut into squares.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese, pureed
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
Optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips for topping

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect brownies:

Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine pureed cottage cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in melted coconut oil and eggs.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into a greased 9x9 inch baking pan. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your brownies warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Enhancements and Variations

Consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for added crunch and a nutty flavor. If you're a chocolate lover, folding in dark chocolate chips enhances the chocolate intensity without altering the healthy profile. For a twist, try substituting half of the cocoa powder with a flavored powder, like espresso or peppermint, to create unique variations that suit your palate.

Another fun idea is to experiment with spices—adding a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the warm flavors. If you're serving these brownies at a gathering, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving for a touch of elegance. These small adjustments can create delightful new experiences with each batch you bake.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cottage Cheese Brownies store incredibly well, making them a great option for meal prep or make-ahead treats. Once they’re completely cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They'll last for up to three months—perfect for whenever you need a sweet indulgence.

To enjoy frozen brownies, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you want a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to rejuvenate their fudgy texture. Just be careful not to overheat, as they can turn rubbery if left in the microwave too long.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar texture.

→ How should I store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even a dash of espresso powder for more depth in flavor.