Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup sugar; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love whipping up these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts whenever I'm craving something special yet nutritious. The combination of smooth cottage cheese gives these brownies a unique texture, while the hazelnuts add a delightful crunch. Baking them feels like a mini adventure, and I enjoy experimenting with different chocolate intensities to discover the perfect balance. Trust me, these brownies are a game-changer, making indulgence a lot healthier than you might expect!

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:28:14.254Z

Making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts has been a rewarding experience for me, especially when I discovered how cottage cheese can replace some of the butter while still keeping the richness of traditional brownies. During my first attempt, I noticed that the brownies stayed moist longer, which was a delightful surprise. Baking is all about experimenting, and I’m thrilled that these brownies come out perfect every time!

I find the addition of hazelnuts not only enhances the flavor but also adds a fantastic texture. I love to toast the nuts lightly before mixing them in, which brings out their natural oils and nuttiness. It really takes these brownies from good to extraordinary! I can't wait for you to try them and share in the joy.

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Unique, protein-packed twist on classic brownies
Decadent chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
Guilt-free indulgence that satisfies every sweet tooth

      

Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese might seem like an unconventional choice for brownies, but it plays a crucial role in creating a moist texture while boosting the protein content. It works as a substitute for traditional oils or butter, making these brownies a healthier option. When blended with the other wet ingredients, the cottage cheese helps achieve a creamy consistency that balances the dense chocolate flavor beautifully.

For best results, use smooth cottage cheese. If the texture is lumpy, it can affect the final consistency of your brownies. To avoid this, you can blend the cottage cheese in a food processor until it reaches a creamy state before adding it to your batter.

Perfecting the Chocolate Experience

The type of dark chocolate you choose significantly influences the flavor profile of these brownies. I recommend using chocolate with at least 70% cacao for a rich taste that complements the nuttiness of hazelnuts. If you prefer a sweeter brownie, opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips instead, adjusting the sugar slightly to balance it out.

When melting the chocolate, do it in short intervals in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds. This prevents overheating, which can lead to a clumpy texture. If your chocolate does seize, you can rescue it by adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil to smooth it out.

Storing and Serving Tips

These brownies maintain their fortitude when stored correctly. After cooling, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the individual squares between layers of parchment paper; simply thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to indulge.

Serving these brownies warm can enhance their appeal. You might drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top or serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast. Pairing with fresh fruit, like raspberries or strawberries, can also provide a bright, refreshing balance to the rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts:

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts

Once everything is prepared, you're ready to start mixing and baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips until smooth. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Mix Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by the melted chocolate. Stir until just combined.

Add Hazelnuts

Fold in the chopped hazelnuts to the brownie batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for a bit before slicing them into squares and serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade brownies with a touch of health!

Pro Tips

For an extra chocolatey flavor, you can sprinkle chocolate chips over the top before baking.

Cocoa Powder Choices

The choice of cocoa powder can greatly affect the depth of flavor in your brownies. High-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder will yield a more intense chocolate taste, while Dutch-processed cocoa can add a smoother profile. If you're looking for a deeper, richer color, then Dutch-processed might be your go-to, but always ensure to balance it with a little more leavening agent if necessary.

Avoid using expired cocoa powder as it can lead to a bland flavor. Always check the package before use—good cocoa should have a rich chocolate aroma and a dark color.

Experimenting with Mix-Ins

Hazelnuts provide a delightful crunch, but feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a swirl of peanut butter can add unique textures and flavors. If you wish to reduce calories further, you can omit the nuts altogether or consider using a nut butter to retain that creamy texture.

Adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter can deepen the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. This little trick can elevate your baking to another level without introducing a significant change in the core recipe.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies come out too dense, it’s possible that the batter was overmixed after adding the dry ingredients. It’s essential to mix until just combined to keep the texture light and airy. Also, using too much flour or not measuring accurately may lead to a heavy outcome; consider weighing your ingredients for precision.

On the other hand, if they seem too cakey, check your baking time. Each oven varies, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. The brownies should be fudgy in the center but firm at the edges. A toothpick test should yield some moist crumbs, not a perfectly clean pick.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with yogurt?

Yes, yogurt can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour alternative to make it gluten-free.

→ Can these brownies be frozen?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just ensure they're well-wrapped.