Description
These cottage cheese chocolate chip cookies deliver soft, gooey centers with a boost of high-quality protein. By incorporating strained cottage cheese into the dough, you get added moisture, structure, and nutrition—transforming a classic dessert into a balanced, satisfying treat perfect for meal prep or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, well strained
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Strain cottage cheese using a fine mesh strainer to remove excess liquid. Press gently to extract moisture.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add strained cottage cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts if using.
- Scoop dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon portions and place onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Always strain cottage cheese thoroughly to prevent excessive spreading.
- Chill dough for 10–20 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Cookies will firm up as they cool—avoid overbaking.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for quick fresh cookies anytime.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 128 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg