Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 9 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup hazelnut spread; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg

Highlighted under: Soft Collection

I absolutely love these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread! Combining the richness of hazelnut with the surprising protein boost of cottage cheese makes these brownies so much more than your typical treat. As I experimented with various ingredients, I discovered that using cottage cheese creates a fudgy texture while cutting back on some of the traditional fats. It's a guilt-free indulgence that still satisfies my sweet tooth every time. You won’t believe how delicious they taste!

Created by

Briony Ashcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-11T17:59:34.880Z

When I first decided to make brownies healthier, I never imagined that cottage cheese could play such a transformative role. After several trials, I found that blending cottage cheese into the batter added creaminess without compromising the taste. Each bite turns out surprisingly rich and satisfying!

Another tip I learned along the way is to fold in the hazelnut spread at the end, swirling it directly into the mixture. This not only creates beautiful marbling but also lets the hazelnut flavor shine through incredibly well without becoming overwhelmingly sweet. Trust me, your family will love them!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Decadent hazelnut flavor with a healthy twist
Fudgy texture that rivals traditional brownies
Perfect for a post-workout treat or dessert

      

Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese serves as a unique ingredient in these brownies, adding moisture while reducing the overall fat content typically found in traditional recipes. Its high protein content not only enhances the nutritional profile but also contributes to a fudgy texture. When blended until smooth, cottage cheese melds seamlessly into the batter, ensuring you won’t detect any curds in the final product. This balance of indulgence and health makes these brownies a satisfying treat without the guilt.

Choosing the right type of cottage cheese is essential for achieving the best flavor and texture. Opt for a full-fat variety to maintain the creaminess that enhances the overall richness of the brownies. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with flavored cottage cheese, such as chive or garlic, to create a unique savory twist, although that may stray from the intended dessert profile.

Perfecting the Chocolatey Flavor

The combination of cocoa powder and hazelnut spread not only provides a rich, chocolate flavor but also harmonizes beautifully with the nuttiness of hazelnuts. To take that chocolate experience up a notch, consider using high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa, which lends a deeper, less acidic taste that complements the sweetness of the brownies. Additionally, if you crave a more intense flavor, feel free to increase the cocoa powder slightly—just ensure to adjust the flour to maintain the proper consistency.

For an extra layer of decadence, sprinkle some chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts into the batter or on top before baking. This creates delightful pockets of melted chocolate or a crunchy texture, enhancing the overall eating experience. Just keep an eye on baking time since additional mix-ins can require a few extra minutes in the oven to set.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your brownies cool, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’d like to prepare them ahead of time, they freeze wonderfully. Simply cut the brownies into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be pulled out and enjoyed straight from the freezer or warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

For a delightful serving option, top the brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream, along with a drizzle of extra hazelnut spread. Fresh berries can also add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. If you’re serving these brownies at a gathering, consider cutting them into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing and a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup hazelnut spread
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg

Instructions

Let’s make these delicious brownies!

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend Cottage Cheese

In a mixing bowl, blend the cottage cheese until smooth before adding hazelnut spread, brown sugar, and egg. Mix until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Mix Ingredients

Gradually combine the wet and dry mixtures, stirring just until no dry flour is visible. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Hazelnut Swirls

Fold in the hazelnut spread, creating swirls in the batter without completely mixing it in.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until set. Allow to cool before cutting.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts on top before baking.

Helpful Tips for Success

When mixing your wet and dry ingredients, take care to combine them just until no dry flour remains. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies rather than the desired fudgy texture. To help prevent this, I often use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together, which maintains a lighter batter.

Another potential pitfall is undercooking the brownies. While the top may appear set, it’s essential to ensure that a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This ensures your brownies have the ideal fudgy consistency as they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the oven.

Ingredient Substitution Ideas

If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, silken tofu can be used in place of cottage cheese. Blend it until smooth to achieve a similar creamy texture. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly, but it can still result in delicious brownies.

For those avoiding refined sugar, consider using a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar. You may need to adjust the flour content slightly since these liquid sweeteners add additional moisture. Adjust accordingly until you reach the consistency you desire.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. To double the batch, simply prepare it in a larger baking dish (such as a 9x13-inch) and adjust the baking time, adding about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the brownies to ensure they bake evenly, as larger surface areas can affect cooking time.

If you want to make a smaller batch, halving the ingredients is straightforward, but I recommend using a smaller dish (like an 8x8-inch) as it will help with cooking times and maintain the fudgy texture that makes these brownies so delightful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese will work well in this recipe.

→ What can I substitute for hazelnut spread?

Almond butter or peanut butter can be good alternatives if you prefer.

→ How should I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze the brownies?

Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.