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 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts; 2 large eggs

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I was thrilled to experiment with a healthier take on traditional brownies by incorporating cottage cheese. The combination of cottage cheese and hazelnuts creates an incredibly moist texture that is both satisfying and indulgent. Every bite offers a balance of rich chocolate and the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. I never thought brownies could taste this good while being somewhat guilt-free. This recipe has become my go-to for those chocolate cravings without the heavy feeling afterward, and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:55:08.868Z

When I first tried making brownies with cottage cheese, I was honestly skeptical. However, the result was a game changer! The smoothness of the cottage cheese paired with the richness of cocoa powder created a brownie that was both fudgy and decadent.

Incorporating hazelnuts not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the flavor profile, taking these brownies to the next level. I learned that baking at a slightly lower temperature helps keep them moist, and now I can't wait to share this recipe with my friends!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Delightfully moist texture thanks to cottage cheese
Nutty crunch from hazelnuts adds wonderful flavor
A healthier dessert option without sacrificing taste

      

Understanding the Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese might seem like an unusual addition to brownies, but it's the key to achieving that delightful moisture without overwhelming richness. Its high protein content replaces some of the fat typically found in traditional brownie recipes. When blended smoothly, it integrates beautifully, ensuring each bite retains a light yet satisfying quality. If you're unsure about texture, blend the cottage cheese until it’s perfectly smooth to avoid lumps that could disrupt the consistency of your brownies.

Another benefit of using cottage cheese is that it adds a subtle tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the brownies. This tang pairs unexpectedly well with the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the cocoa powder, creating a balanced dessert experience. Experimenting with different brands or varieties of cottage cheese can yield unique flavors, so feel free to try different options and see what you prefer!

Hazelnuts: A Nutty Delight

Chopped hazelnuts not only add a satisfying crunch but also infuse your brownies with a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate. If you really want to enhance their taste, toasting the hazelnuts in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes can deepen their richness. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning; they should turn golden and fragrant! This added step can elevate your brownies from delicious to extraordinary.

For those who might have nut allergies, you can substitute hazelnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the allergens. Just chop them roughly to ensure even distribution throughout your brownie batter. Additionally, you could experiment with different nuts like walnuts or macadamia nuts, each adding its unique texture and flavor while keeping the essence of the brownies intact.

Perfectly Baked Brownies

Achieving the perfect brownie texture often comes down to baking time and temperature. Preheating your oven correctly ensures that your brownies bake evenly. When you pour the batter into the pan, a glass or light-colored metal baking dish is ideal, as darker pans can cause the edges to cook too quickly. After baking, look for that telltale sign of doneness: a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumb clings, but not wet batter.

If you're in a warm climate and find your brownies don’t set as well, consider refrigerating them for about 30 minutes after baking. This can help firm them up nicely, making them easier to cut without falling apart. If you have leftovers—which I doubt, since they’re so good—you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving again for the best taste and texture!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start making your Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts:

Brownies

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

Make sure to mix everything well for the best texture!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious brownies:

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.

Mix Ingredients

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

Add Hazelnuts

Fold in the chopped hazelnuts until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnuts!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies serve beautifully on their own, but if you want an extra touch, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess will contrast nicely with the rich chocolate and nutty flavors. For an elegant presentation, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top or sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.

For an even more decadent treat, try layering these brownies with raspberry or cherry compote. This fruity addition adds freshness and a lovely tartness that cuts through the richness, making each bite an exciting experience. I also love serving them alongside a rich espresso; the bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the brownies perfectly.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make these brownies for a special occasion, you can prepare the batter a day in advance. Just mix everything up and store it in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to bake, just give the batter a quick stir before pouring it into your prepared pan. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even tastier brownie.

If you're making a larger batch, consider freezing some of the brownies. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common baking issue with brownies is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tougher texture. Make sure to mix just until combined, especially after adding the flour. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps of flour visible, as they’ll incorporate during baking. Overbaking is another concern; watch the baking time closely and test earlier if your oven runs hot.

If your brownies turn out too dry, it might be due to too much flour or extended baking time. If you find your mixture is particularly thick before baking, adding an extra tablespoon of cottage cheese can help maintain moisture. Remember, they should still have a slightly gooey texture in the center after baking for an indulgent experience!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans would work beautifully in this recipe.

→ Can I make these brownies vegan?

You can try substituting eggs with flax eggs and use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag.