Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Highlighted under: Soft Favorites
I absolutely love baking cookies, and these Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies have become one of my favorite treats. They are incredibly soft and chewy, thanks to the cottage cheese, which adds a wonderful creaminess. The combination of chocolate chips and the slight tang from the cottage cheese creates a surprisingly delightful flavor. I often make these cookies for family gatherings, and they invariably disappear in no time. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s different yet satisfying, give this recipe a try!
When I first experimented with cottage cheese in cookie recipes, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. The cookies turned out so moist and tender, which was a delightful contrast to the typical crisp cookie texture. I also discovered that adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness and bring out the chocolate flavor made a huge difference in taste.
After several trials, I found that the key lies in balancing the cottage cheese with just the right amount of flour. It's essential to avoid overmixing the dough, as this keeps them light and fluffy. These cookies have a unique charm that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Unique creamy texture that sets them apart from regular cookies
- Chocolate chips provide the perfect sweetness
- A great way to sneak in some extra protein and moisture
The Role of Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these cookies, providing a unique creamy texture that sets them apart from traditional cookie doughs. Its moisture content helps ensure the cookies remain soft and chewy, while also carrying a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the chocolate chips beautifully. This unexpected ingredient elevates the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful surprise.
When measuring the cottage cheese, be sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the dough, which can lead to soggy cookies. A good technique is to use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth; pressing out the liquid will help achieve the right consistency and prevent any unexpected texture issues.
Baking Techniques
Baking these cookies to perfection is crucial for achieving that desirable soft and chewy center. It’s best to keep an eye on them as they bake; aim for a baking time of 10-12 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden, while the centers appear soft. This method ensures that the cookies will continue to firm up once they cool on the baking sheet.
For an even more consistent bake, consider using an ice cream scoop to portion the dough. This not only creates uniform cookie sizes, allowing for even baking, but also makes scooping easier. If you prefer a bit more texture in your cookies, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, which can enhance the flavors and make them easier to handle.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to bake these delightful cookies:
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese, drained
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your cookies:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the cottage cheese, softened butter, and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and egg, mixing until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix the Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Enjoy your delicious cookies warm or store them in an airtight container!
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding nuts or dried fruit to the dough. Also, make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also extend their shelf life by freezing them. Once fully cooled, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing for a delightful treat whenever you get a craving.
If you want to bake smaller batches, this recipe is easily adjustable. Simply halve the ingredients to make a smaller quantity, or use a scale for precise scaling. The cookies will maintain their texture and flavor, ensuring you enjoy them fresh.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or even add a mix, such as dark and white chocolate for a fun contrast. You could also substitute half of the chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits for added crunch and flavor. Just be sure that any additions do not overwhelm the creamy texture provided by the cottage cheese.
For a healthier twist, you can replace regular granulated sugar with coconut sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners will affect the moisture level, so you may want to slightly decrease the amount of cottage cheese or flour to balance it out.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese will work, but the texture may be slightly different.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough and bake fresh cookies whenever you like.
→ What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
You can substitute with white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or nuts for a different flavor.
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
I absolutely love baking cookies, and these Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies have become one of my favorite treats. They are incredibly soft and chewy, thanks to the cottage cheese, which adds a wonderful creaminess. The combination of chocolate chips and the slight tang from the cottage cheese creates a surprisingly delightful flavor. I often make these cookies for family gatherings, and they invariably disappear in no time. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s different yet satisfying, give this recipe a try!
Created by: Celia Winterbourne
Recipe Type: Soft Favorites
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese, drained
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the cottage cheese, softened butter, and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and egg, mixing until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding nuts or dried fruit to the dough. Also, make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 6g