Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts
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; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts! The combination of creamy cottage cheese and crunchy hazelnuts creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. I was surprised at how moist and rich they turned out, all while being healthier than traditional brownies. These brownies are great for any occasion; I especially appreciate that they can be enjoyed guilt-free, and they never last long at my gatherings!

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2026-01-11T23:55:06.128Z

When I first attempted these brownies, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese as a base. It seemed unusual, but I was blown away by the results! The cottage cheese not only added a wonderful creaminess but also helped to reduce the amount of fat compared to traditional brownie recipes. I paired it with finely chopped hazelnuts, which added a delightful crunch.

One crucial tip is to ensure you blend the cottage cheese until smooth, as this makes all the difference in the final texture. I often serve these brownies at family gatherings, and they are always a hit!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor enhanced by the nuttiness of hazelnuts
Moist and creamy texture that's simply irresistible
A healthier twist on classic brownies, perfect for guilt-free indulgence

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these brownies, providing moisture and a creamy texture that traditional brownies may lack. Its unique protein content helps create a fudgy interior that feels indulgent while still being healthier. When blended smoothly, it integrates seamlessly into the batter, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying. Just make sure to use full-fat cottage cheese for optimal creaminess; reduced-fat options can lead to a drier result.

Another aspect of using cottage cheese is its mild flavor, which allows the chocolate and hazelnuts to shine through. Don't be surprised if you don't taste the cheese at all! The cocoa and sugar balance it out, giving you all the satisfaction of traditional brownies without the heavy guilt. If you're looking to experiment, you could even try adding flavored cottage cheese for a unique twist.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the ideal brownie texture requires a careful balance of wet and dry ingredients. For the most scrumptious results, avoid over-mixing after adding the dry ingredients; this can result in tougher brownies. Instead, gently fold the dry mix into the cottage cheese mixture until just combined. It'll ensure that your brownies remain soft and chewy, with a delightful crust on top.

Additionally, the baking time is crucial for perfect brownies. You should keep a close eye on the oven during the last few minutes of baking. While 25 minutes is a safe estimate, every oven is different. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. If it comes out entirely clean, the brownies may be overbaked and could end up dry.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, consider freezing individual squares wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to three months and make for a perfect ready-to-go treat. Just let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.

For an elevated presentation, consider serving the brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can also enhance their appeal. If you're feeling adventurous, top them with a sprinkle of sea salt or additional chopped hazelnuts for added texture and flavor contrast. These small additions can take your brownies from delicious to extraordinary!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the perfect Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts:

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure to measure your ingredients precisely for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts:

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend Cottage Cheese

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix Ingredients

Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the dry ingredient bowl and stir until well combined. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting them into squares and serving.

Enjoy your delicious brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of hazelnut extract into the batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a healthier sweetener, feel free to substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup. Just keep in mind that maple syrup will add moisture, so you may need to adjust other wet ingredients slightly. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, which will still yield a rich and satisfying texture.

For those who are lactose intolerant or want to try a dairy-free alternative, using silken tofu in place of cottage cheese works beautifully. Blend until smooth and follow the recipe as usual; you'll maintain the creamy consistency while steering clear of dairy.

Variations to Consider

Get creative with flavors by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha twist or maybe a hint of mint extract for a fresh flavor profile. You can also swap in different types of nuts if hazelnuts aren't your favorite. Walnuts or pecans can bring a new texture and flavor dimension to the brownies.

For added fruitiness, consider adding a swirl of raspberry jam or incorporating some chocolate-covered cherries into the batter. The tartness of the fruit perfectly offsets the rich chocolate, creating a delightful contrast that adds complexity to every bite.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your brownies turn out too dry, it may be due to overbaking or incorrect measurements. Always use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially with dry ingredients. If you find your brownies aren't as moist as you'd like, try adding a little bit of applesauce to the batter next time for additional moisture.

On the other hand, if your brownies spread too much and are flat, it could be due to not adequately incorporating the eggs. The air incorporated during the mixing process helps to create a rise in the batter. Ensure you mix just until combined and consider chilling the batter for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well and still provides the creaminess needed for the brownies.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

→ Can I substitute the hazelnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans make great alternatives and will also add a wonderful flavor.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the brownies.