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 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup melted butter; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Collection

I absolutely love whipping up these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon; they are truly a delightful treat! The combination of rich, creamy cottage cheese with warm cinnamon creates a unique texture and flavor that is hard to resist. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, delivering satisfaction without the guilt. I often make these brownies when I'm wanting a healthier dessert option that doesn't skimp on taste. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for those sweet cravings!

Created by

Elspeth Murray

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:46:23.529Z

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, skepticism filled the air. But the moment I took them out of the oven and smelled the sweet aroma mixed with cinnamon, my doubts vanished. The secret lies in the cottage cheese, which makes the brownies moist and adds a unique protein punch. I paired it with cinnamon for that comforting warmth, and the results were heavenly.

Over time, I've refined this recipe to balance the sweetness and richness. For an extra flourish, I sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking. This creates a delicate crust that's not only beautiful but adds that perfect crunch to the rich texture of the brownie. It’s simply divine!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor enhanced with warm cinnamon
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
A healthier twist on traditional brownies

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Using cottage cheese in these brownies not only adds moistness but also contributes a distinct creaminess that is typically missing in standard brownie recipes. It brings a high-protein element to the dessert, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. For the best texture, make sure to blend the cottage cheese until it's completely smooth, which helps create a velvety base for the brownies. This step is essential for avoiding any curdy bits, which can disrupt the overall mouthfeel.

If you find cottage cheese unappealing, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or pureed silken tofu to maintain a similar consistency while providing a protein boost. Both alternatives will yield a different flavor profile but can still produce a deliciously moist brownie. Remember to adjust the sweetness slightly, as each substitute may vary in flavor intensity.

Baking to Perfection

Achieving the perfect brownie texture is all about monitoring your baking time. Once you pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, keep a close eye as the brownies bake. You’re looking for a firm set at the edges with a slightly moist center—around 25 minutes typically does the trick. A toothpick test is crucial; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’ve nailed it. If it emerges completely clean, you might have overbaked them, resulting in a drier texture.

Given how ovens can vary, I recommend rotating the baking dish halfway through. This ensures even baking, particularly for those spots that tend to receive more heat. If the edges start to look overly dark before the center is set, consider lowering the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) for the last few minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon are delightful on their own, but they can be elevated further by serving them warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for a beautiful presentation. The warm cinnamon will resonate with the cozy flavors, making it a perfect dessert for any season.

For storage, allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, and when ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.

Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding chopped nuts or a swirl of peanut butter on top of the batter before baking.

Ingredient Spotlight: Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is a key player in these brownies as it imparts both flavor and color. Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to achieve the richest chocolatey flavor. Dutch-process cocoa can also be used for a smoother taste and darker color, but it may react differently with the baking powder, so keep an eye on the batter's rise.

I suggest sifting the cocoa powder before mixing it into the batter. This helps prevent clumping and ensures an even distribution throughout the brownie mix. This technique is particularly important as it allows the cocoa to blend seamlessly with the other wet ingredients the batter to maintain a silky consistency.

Brownie Texture Variations

While this recipe results in fudgy brownies, you can achieve a cakier texture by slightly increasing the flour by 1/4 cup. Additionally, you may wish to add a few minutes to the baking time, ensuring they are completely set in the center. Keep in mind that the transition to a cakey brownie will still carry the rich flavors; therefore, make the adjustments incrementally to find your perfect balance.

Another great way to vary the texture is by incorporating mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Adding these in moderation will provide delightful surprises in every bite, creating a more dynamic tasting experience. If you decide to go this route, be cautious not to overload the batter, as it can affect the structural integrity of the brownies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works great and will still give you a deliciously moist texture.

→ How long can I store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

→ Can I substitute cocoa powder with a chocolate bar?

Yes, you can melt a chocolate bar and use it instead of cocoa powder for a richer brownie flavor.

→ Is it necessary to blend the cottage cheese?

Blending is recommended to achieve a smooth texture, ensuring it mixes well into the brownie batter.