Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I've always loved experimenting with healthier dessert options, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon are a fantastic result of that exploration. With rich flavors and a moist texture, you'll find that the cottage cheese adds a delightful creaminess while significantly reducing the fat content. By incorporating cinnamon, I elevate the taste further, making these brownies irresistible. If you're looking for a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising on flavor, these brownies are a must-try.

Created by

Paige Sullivan

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:40:11.853Z

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, I was skeptical about how it would turn out. However, the results exceeded my expectations! The cottage cheese not only provided a unique moisture but also added a protein boost, making these brownies a healthier alternative to traditional recipes. The hint of cinnamon rounds off the flavors beautifully.

After several trials, I discovered that using a food processor to blend the cottage cheese until smooth was a game changer. This technique ensures a velvety texture, preventing the cheese from clumping. The end result is a seamless blend of flavors that leaves everyone asking for the secret ingredient!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with warm cinnamon notes
Lower in calories yet indulgent with creamy cottage cheese
Perfect for a quick treat or a satisfying dessert option

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these brownies, playing a crucial role in achieving a creamy texture while lowering the overall fat content. Its moisture helps bind the ingredients together, yielding a rich mouthfeel that complements the chocolate. When blended well, it becomes nearly unrecognizable, ensuring that it doesn't interfere with the brownie flavor. This means you get a decadent treat that's surprisingly lighter than traditional recipes.

Using low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese can further reduce the calorie count without sacrificing texture or flavor. Just be mindful that a higher moisture content in lower-fat varieties may slightly alter the consistency; you may need to adjust the flour or cocoa powder to compensate. Should you need a dairy-free option, silken tofu works surprisingly well as a substitute, providing similar creaminess with a different flavor profile.

Enhancing Flavor with Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a fantastic addition to these brownies, elevating the flavor profile in an unexpected way. Not only does it add warmth and complexity, but it also enhances the inherent sweetness of the honey or maple syrup. The spice pairs beautifully with the richness of cocoa, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. My tip is to use fresh ground cinnamon if possible; it gives a stronger aroma and flavor than pre-ground varieties.

If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of espresso powder along with the cinnamon. These spices can create a deeper flavor experience without overpowering the chocolate. Remember to taste your batter before baking; if you feel it needs a bit more kick, adjust the spice accordingly, but start with small increments to avoid overwhelming the chocolate.

Texture and Storage Tips

Achieving the perfect brownie texture is all about balancing moistness without making them too gooey or cake-like. When testing for doneness, a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. After baking, allow the brownies to cool in the pan, which helps set their structure. If you prefer fudgy brownies, keep an eye on the baking time, as even a couple of minutes can make a difference.

For storage, these brownies hold up nicely in an airtight container at room temperature for about three days. If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months, making them an excellent option for meal prep or quick treats. Just remember to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Mix all the ingredients well for the best texture.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Blend Ingredients

In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Add in cocoa powder, honey, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Blend until fully combined.

Add Flour

Gradually add the whole wheat flour while blending until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting out and cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Letting the brownies cool helps them firm up and improves the flavor.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies can be enjoyed straight from the pan, but they also lend themselves to delightful serving options. Consider dusting them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an elegant touch. Serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can take this dessert to the next level, especially if you're serving guests.

For an extra burst of flavor, top the brownies with freshly sliced strawberries or raspberries. Their tartness pairs beautifully with the sweet and rich chocolate, creating a balanced dessert experience. You could also serve with a cup of coffee or a warm glass of almond milk, which complements the cinnamon and cocoa notes perfectly.

Customizing Your Brownies

Feel free to personalize these brownies to match your tastes! You can incorporate ingredients like chopped nuts for added texture or swirl in peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty flavor twist. To keep them gluten-free, swap the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix or almond flour, adjusting baking time as needed since gluten-free flours sometimes vary in moisture absorption.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider adding dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs to the batter right before pouring it into the baking pan. This will create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies, enhancing the chocolate experience. Just keep in mind that this will slightly increase the caloric content, but I assure you, it’s worth the indulgence!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute honey with agave nectar or use a sugar replacement for a lower-calorie option.

→ What is the best way to store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute whole wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I enhance the flavor?

Adding a pinch of espresso powder can deepen the chocolate flavor without compromising the overall taste.