These Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies are soft and chewy, packed with protein for a tasty snack! They’re easy to make and great for a quick treat without the guilt.
Who knew cookies could be good for you? I love how these little bites satisfy my sweet tooth while giving me a protein boost. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk! 🥛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Make sure to drain the cottage cheese well for the right texture. You can use full-fat, low-fat, or non-fat versions depending on your preference. Greek yogurt also works as a substitute if you want a thicker consistency.
Oat Flour: I often make my own oat flour by blending rolled oats in a blender until fine. This keeps it fresh and saves money. If you don’t have oat flour, all-purpose flour or almond flour can be used instead.
Protein Powder: I like using vanilla-flavored protein powder for extra taste. If you’re not a fan of protein powder, you can substitute with more oat flour and a bit of extra baking powder.
Sweeteners: Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking! If you want a healthier option, try using unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas as a natural sweetener.
Chocolate Chips: Use mini chocolate chips for a better distribution across the cookies. Dark chocolate chunks or carob chips are great alternatives for different flavor variations.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Don’t Turn Out Dry or Crumbly?
The right balance of wet and dry ingredients is crucial for a soft cookie! Here are a few tips to maintain that delightful texture:
- Make sure to drain the cottage cheese well but not completely dry; some moisture is needed.
- Don’t over-mix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough. Just mix until everything is combined.
- Using a combination of a sweetener and fat (like an egg) helps keep the cookies moist.
- Check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested baking time. Overbaking can lead to dryness!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (drained well)
- 1 cup oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/4 cup sweetener of choice (e.g., honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. You’ll have delicious cookies ready in around 25-30 minutes total, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, sweetener, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or whisk to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This will create the creamy base for your cookies.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to incorporate the dry ingredients evenly and makes sure there are no clumps.
4. Create the Dough:
Now, add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until the dough comes together; it will be slightly sticky but should hold its shape.
5. Add Chocolate Chips and Optional Fruits:
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and dried cranberries or raisins if you’re using them. This adds a sweet and fruity flavor to your cookies!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll them into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly flatten each ball with your hand to give them a cookie shape.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set. Make sure not to overbake them to keep them soft and chewy!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your protein-packed cookies as a snack or a nutritious breakfast treat!
These Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies are soft, delicious, and packed with protein. The rich flavor from the cottage cheese and the sweetness of the chocolate chips make them a perfect guilt-free indulgence!
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Absolutely! You can use honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol. Just keep in mind that liquid sweeteners might alter the consistency slightly, so adjust accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Omit the Chocolate Chips?
Of course! If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you can leave out the chocolate chips entirely or substitute them with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for some added texture and flavor.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If you find the dough is too sticky, try adding a little more oat flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can change the texture of the final cookies!
