Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Moments Studio

I’ve always loved the idea of brownies, but I wanted to create a healthier version that still satisfied my sweet tooth. These Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts have become a guilty pleasure that I don’t mind indulging in. The creaminess of cottage cheese adds a unique texture, while the crunchy hazelnuts elevate the flavor profile. I truly enjoy sharing these with friends at gatherings, and they often ask for the recipe after just one bite.

Created by

Elodie Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-12T03:28:08.132Z

I remember the first time I experimented with cottage cheese in baked goods. The flavor and texture it brought to the brownies were unexpected but delightful. At first, I wasn't sure if it would work, but the result was a moist, rich brownie that feels indulgent yet is packed with protein. The addition of hazelnuts gives a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the brownie.

One tip that I found helpful is to blend the cottage cheese until it's smooth before incorporating it into the batter. This ensures that you don’t end up with chunks of cheese in your brownies, giving them a uniform texture and rich flavor that everyone will love. I can assure you that these brownies are the perfect way to treat yourself without the guilt!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Rich and creamy texture from cottage cheese
Nutty crunch from roasted hazelnuts
A healthier twist on traditional brownies

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese forms the backbone of these brownies, providing not only moisture but also a creamy texture that rivals traditional brownies made with butter. The fats in the cottage cheese help to bind the ingredients together while keeping the brownies rich without the excess calories. For a lighter option, opt for low-fat cottage cheese; just ensure it’s well-blended for a smooth consistency.

When blended properly, cottage cheese dissolves into the batter, enhancing the brownies' overall tenderness. You’ll want to blend the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth—this step is crucial. If you still spot curds, your brownies might end up with an undesirable texture; focus on blending until you achieve a luscious, entreé-like richness.

Hazelnuts: Flavor and Texture

Incorporating chopped hazelnuts adds a delightful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch to these brownies. When roasted, hazelnuts develop an even deeper flavor profile, so consider toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Just be careful not to let them burn; keep an eye on them as they can darken quickly.

If hazelnuts are not available, pecans or walnuts can serve as a great alternative without sacrificing texture. Aim to use the same measurement to maintain the balance in the flavor profile. This flexibility allows for variations depending on your pantry and preferences, making it easy to customize this treat to your liking.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started on your delicious Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts!

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
Pinch of salt

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these easy 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 with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Blend the Cottage Cheese

In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until it's completely smooth. This will ensure a rich texture in your brownies.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, honey, eggs, flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Add the Hazelnuts

Fold in the chopped hazelnuts gently to the batter to ensure even distribution.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top. 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 before cutting them into squares. Enjoy them as a delicious treat!

Enjoy your brownies fresh from the oven or store them for later!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, you can sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking. This adds a beautiful contrast to the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies can be enjoyed as-is, but consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Drizzling a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce on top can also elevate the experience, especially when hosting guests. For a festive touch, sprinkle some extra chopped hazelnuts over the top for added texture and appearance.

Another serving idea is to pair them with fresh fruit, such as berries, which can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy brownies. Sliced strawberries or raspberries not only add color but also balance the sweetness, creating a more complex dessert experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To keep these brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week. If you choose to freeze the brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

For those looking to prep ahead, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves time but can also blend the flavors even further. Just give the mixture a good stir before pouring it into the baking pan, and adjust the baking time slightly if the batter is cold from the fridge.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta as alternatives for a similar texture.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

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

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I use instead of hazelnuts?

You can use walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor.