These Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies are a tasty treat packed with protein! Made with creamy cottage cheese and simple ingredients, they are perfect for a snack or dessert.
They are easy to make, and the best part? You can feel good about enjoying them! I love having one after a workout; they give that sweet fix without all the guilt! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient, providing protein and moisture. You can use low-fat or full-fat depending on your diet. If you’re dairy-free, try silken tofu blended until smooth as a great alternative.
Rolled Oats: I prefer using rolled oats for their texture, but you can grind them into oat flour if you want a finer cookie. Quick oats also work if you’re in a pinch, but they may result in a slightly softer texture.
Sweetener: I’ve used honey, but maple syrup adds a nice flavor too. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol works well. Just adjust the quantity to taste!
Chocolate Chips: Mini dark chocolate chips are my go-to, but feel free to use milk chocolate or white chocolate. For a healthier twist, consider adding nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Turn Out Chewy and Moist?
The trick to achieving chewy and moist cookies lies in a few key techniques:
- Mix ingredients until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Use room-temperature eggs. They help the mixture come together smoothly.
- Make sure to drop the cookies onto the baking sheet with some height. This encourages rising rather than spreading out.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This keeps them from falling apart!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably low-fat or full-fat based on preference)
- 1 cup rolled oats (can be ground to oat flour if desired)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sweetener of choice (e.g., honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- Optional: 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) for extra protein boost
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix everything together, plus an additional 15-18 minutes for baking. In total, allow about 30 minutes to make these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, sweetener, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or whisk to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This is your creamy base!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Next, sprinkle in the rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and protein powder (if you’re using it). Gently stir everything together until well combined. You should have a thick dough at this point.
4. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time to make it extra delicious! Carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Scoop the Cookies:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. To give them a nice shape, you can slightly flatten each cookie with the back of the spoon.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown around the edges and set in the middle.
7. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help them firm up a bit. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Enjoy Your Treat!
These Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! You can have them as a snack or dessert. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead of Full-Fat?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works just as well and will still provide plenty of moisture and protein. The texture might be slightly different, but the cookies will still taste great!
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Yes, you can! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup. For the cottage cheese, try using silken tofu blended until smooth as an alternative.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them! Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or seeds. Just make sure to balance the added ingredients with the dough’s consistency to maintain the cookie’s texture.
