Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Butter

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup hazelnut butter; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt

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I absolutely love making Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Butter because they are the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and a healthy twist. The cottage cheese adds moisture and protein, making these brownies a guilt-free dessert option. Plus, the hazelnut butter brings a delightful nuttiness that elevates the taste, transforming ordinary brownies into something extraordinary. Whether it’s for a gathering or a quiet evening at home, these brownies have become my go-to recipe for satisfying my sweet cravings.

Created by

Celia Winterbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:53:36.144Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in brownies, I was skeptical about how it would turn out. To my surprise, the texture was incredibly moist and fudgy. I found that blending the cottage cheese until smooth really made a difference, ensuring there were no lumps in the final batter. This detail may seem small, but it’s crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Pairing the cottage cheese with hazelnut butter was a delicious revelation; the nutty flavor complements the chocolate beautifully. I often add just a hint of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavors even further. It’s these little adjustments that make a simple recipe like this feel gourmet!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy cottage cheese
Nutty aroma from the hazelnut butter enhances every bite
Decadent yet healthier compared to traditional brownies

      

Understanding the Ingredients

In this recipe, cottage cheese plays a vital role. Not only does it provide moisture, but it also elevates the protein content, making the brownies more satisfying than regular desserts. When blended, the cottage cheese becomes smooth and undetectable, allowing the chocolate to shine through. Look for a full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese; both work well, but avoid varieties that are too chunky as they may interfere with the smooth texture of the brownies.

Hazelnut butter is another star ingredient in these brownies. It adds a unique nutty flavor that complements the rich chocolate, creating a sophisticated dessert. For those with allergies or dietary restrictions, almond or peanut butter can be used as substitutes, although they will change the flavor profile slightly. Just be sure to choose a natural nut butter without added sugars or oils to maintain the brownies' richness.

Perfecting Your Technique

When folding the dry ingredients into the blended mixture, it's important to be gentle. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Fold just until you see no dry flour; it’s okay if the mixture is slightly lumpy as long as there are no flour pockets. Incorporating the chocolate chips last not only helps to prevent them from sinking but also gives you a chance to enjoy their melty richness in every bite.

Baking at the right temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect brownie consistency. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be set and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick test is your best friend here—remove them from the oven when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating a fudgy texture that is still decadent without being raw.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Butter:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup hazelnut butter
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Now that you have everything ready, let's move on to the steps for making these delicious brownies!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your Cottage Cheese Brownies:

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Blend the Base Ingredients

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Combine and Fold

Pour the blended mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined, then add the dark chocolate chips.

Bake

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!

These brownies are best served warm, but they also keep well in an airtight container!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding chopped hazelnuts on top before baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These cottage cheese brownies store exceptionally well. Once cooled, they can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, which can slightly change the texture, making them firmer and even more fudgy. If you'd prefer them to remain at room temperature, just allow them to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to regain some softness.

If you're planning to make them ahead of time for a gathering, they also freeze beautifully. Cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or leave them at room temperature for about 2 hours.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For an extra touch of indulgence, serve these brownies topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess pairs wonderfully with the warm, chocolatey brownies for an elevated dessert experience. If you're feeling adventurous, consider drizzling some caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for added complexity in flavor.

You can also experiment with mix-ins and toppings! Try adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for some crunch, or include dried fruit for a tart contrast. If you're a fan of espresso, a tablespoon of instant coffee granules mixed into the batter can elevate the chocolate flavor even further. Enjoy customizing this recipe to fit your tastes!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nut butters?

Yes, almond butter or peanut butter can be used as substitutions for hazelnut butter.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works in baking.