Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup hazelnut butter; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Oven Kitchen

I can't believe how decadent these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Butter turned out! As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I was thrilled to discover this recipe that combines the protein from cottage cheese with the rich flavor of hazelnut butter. It felt great to indulge without the guilt. The texture is incredibly fudgy, and the nutty aroma fills the kitchen as they bake. Trust me, once you've tried these luscious brownies, you'll want to make them again and again!

Created by

Winifred Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:21:51.342Z

When I first made these Cottage Cheese Brownies, I had no idea how well the cottage cheese would blend into the brownie batter. The result was a surprisingly moist and rich treat that didn't skimp on flavor. I particularly enjoyed the addition of hazelnut butter, which added a delightful nuttiness that perfectly complemented the chocolate.

During testing, I found that letting the brownies cool in the pan before slicing made a huge difference in texture. It not only set them perfectly but also made slicing much easier for those perfect square pieces! You won't believe you're enjoying something that's as healthy as it is delicious.

Why You Will Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor with a hint of hazelnut
Protein-packed with cottage cheese for guilt-free indulgence
Perfectly fudgy texture that satisfies any sweet craving

A Healthy Twist on Classic Brownies

These Cottage Cheese Brownies are a game changer for anyone seeking a healthier dessert option without sacrificing flavor. The cottage cheese not only adds protein but also contributes to the moist, fudgy texture that traditional brownies often miss. You’ll find that this secret ingredient allows you to indulge without the post-sweet guilt. The creaminess from the cottage cheese blends seamlessly with chocolate, creating a rich, luscious experience with every bite.

Integrating hazelnut butter into this recipe enhances the brownies with a delightful nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. If you’re a fan of nut butters, feel free to experiment; almond butter or peanut butter can be used as substitutes. Just keep in mind that each nut butter will impart its unique flavor to the brownies, so choose one that complements your taste preference.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Brownies

To ensure your brownies turn out perfectly fudgy, be mindful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mixing should be gentle and just enough to combine everything; a few lumps are okay. This prevents the brownies from becoming tough and ensures that they have that desired melt-in-your-mouth texture. Keep an eye on the baking time, as every oven varies. Start checking for doneness at the 20-minute mark—it’s better to underbake slightly than overbake.

Cooling the brownies in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack can help maintain their structure. Use a sharp knife for slicing to prevent tearing apart the fudgy texture. For an extra touch, dust the cooled brownies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted dark chocolate for a decadent finishing touch.

Ingredients

For the brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup hazelnut butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready for a smooth baking experience!

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix the ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, sugar, hazelnut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

Bake the brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious brownies with a scoop of ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add chopped hazelnuts on top before baking. You can also substitute the hazelnut butter with almond butter if preferred.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their fudgy texture. If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months and are easy to reheat in the microwave for a warm treat anytime.

If you're planning to serve these brownies at a party, you can prepare the batter a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator overnight, and bake it fresh the following day. This way, your indulgent dessert will be right out of the oven and bursting with that warm, gooey goodness when served.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Cottage Cheese Brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. You might also consider serving them with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an added touch of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the rich flavors of chocolate and hazelnut butter beautifully.

For a fun twist, try serving these brownies as brownie sundaes. Layer brownie pieces in a bowl, add your favorite ice cream, and top it off with chopped nuts, fresh berries, or a cherry. This versatile dessert can easily transition from a simple treat to a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used without compromising the texture.

→ How can I store the 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 the brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Is there a substitute for hazelnut butter?

Yes, almond butter or peanut butter can be used as alternatives.