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 pieces
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup melted coconut oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt

Highlighted under: Cozy Inspiration

I recently discovered a twist on traditional brownies that combines the rich creaminess of cottage cheese with the warm spice of cinnamon. The idea of using cottage cheese might sound unconventional, but it adds a moist texture while cutting down the heaviness of typical brownies. The result is a delightful treat that’s surprisingly light yet decadent. I was thrilled by how easily this recipe comes together, making it perfect for both everyday snacking and special occasions. Trust me, once you try these cottage cheese brownies, you won't want to go back to regular ones!

Created by

Esmeray Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:11:36.510Z

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, I was skeptical about how it would turn out. To my surprise, the incorporation of cottage cheese brought a level of moistness and a touch of protein, making these brownies both delicious and surprisingly guilt-free. The hint of cinnamon not only complements the chocolate flavor but also elevates the entire dessert to a new level of sophistication.

As I experimented with different ratios of ingredients, I found that blending the cottage cheese until smooth was key. This step ensures that the texture remains fluffy and cake-like rather than dense. I now love serving these brownies at gatherings, where they never fail to impress and spark curiosity among my friends!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Creamy, unique flavor thanks to cottage cheese
Warm, aromatic hints of cinnamon in every bite
Perfect balance between healthy and indulgent

      

Understanding Cottage Cheese in Brownies

Using cottage cheese in brownies may seem unusual, but it serves a vital role in achieving a rich and moist texture without the extra fat found in traditional butter or oils. When incorporated, it retains moisture during baking, ensuring that your brownies remain soft even after cooling. Plus, its protein content gives these treats a nutritional boost, making them a bit more satisfying.

To avoid a chunky texture in your brownies, it's crucial to thoroughly blend the cottage cheese until it's completely smooth. This not only ensures that you don't encounter any ricotta-like lumps in your finished product but also helps it integrate beautifully with the other ingredients, yielding a cohesive batter.

The Role of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a star player in this brownie recipe, providing a warm, aromatic flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the rich chocolate. While the amount specified is just a teaspoon, feel free to adjust this to suit your taste. A hint of nutmeg or a dash of espresso powder can also deepen the flavor profile—just remember to balance any additions to avoid overpowering the chocolate.

In addition to its wonderful taste, cinnamon offers a range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and regulating blood sugar levels. By including cinnamon in your brownies, you can enjoy a dessert that feels a bit more wholesome while still being deliciously indulgent.

Perfecting Your Baking Technique

When baking these brownies, it's important to keep an eye on the time and visual cues to ensure they don’t overbake. Ideally, you want to remove them from the oven when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Overbaking will result in a dry texture, which is the opposite of what you want.

If you're looking to customize these brownies, consider adding mix-ins like dark chocolate chips or nuts. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the baking dish. Keep in mind that adding ingredients can slightly change the baking time, so be sure to check for doneness a couple of minutes earlier to avoid any mishaps.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8x8-inch baking dish.

Blend Ingredients

In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, coconut oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

Pro Tips

For extra indulgence, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter before baking. They add texture and enhance the flavor of these brownies.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your brownies are fully cooled, they can be sliced and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving for a fresh-tasting treat.

These brownies can be enjoyed plain, or you can elevate their presentation with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. For additional flavor, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top—this adds contrasting textures that enhance the overall experience.

Dietary Alternatives

If you're seeking a dairy-free version of these brownies, consider substituting the cottage cheese with silken tofu or vegan cream cheese. These alternatives will maintain the moisture and creaminess of the brownies while making them suitable for those with dairy sensitivities. Adjust the sugar levels as needed because alternative cream cheeses can vary in sweetness.

For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This keeps the texture consistent while allowing those with gluten intolerances to enjoy these delicious brownies without worry.

Scaling Your Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable. If you want to make a larger batch for a party, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan, such as a 9x13-inch dish. Just be cautious with the baking time, as thicker brownies in a larger pan may need an additional 5 to 10 minutes in the oven. Always remember to check for doneness with a toothpick to ensure they are perfectly baked.

Conversely, if you're looking to make fewer servings, you can halve the recipe and use a smaller dish. An 8x4-inch loaf pan is a great choice for a smaller batch. Adjust your baking time slightly, checking for doneness after 20 minutes, since smaller quantities often bake more quickly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works just fine in this recipe without compromising the texture.

→ What can I substitute for coconut oil?

You can use melted butter or vegetable oil as a substitute for coconut oil.

→ How do I store leftover brownies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They'll last for up to three months.