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 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Comfort Recipes

I’ve always been on the lookout for healthier dessert options, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon have become a favorite of mine. Not only do they satisfy my sweet tooth, but they also incorporate cottage cheese for a boost of protein. The hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, making each bite comforting and indulgent. In just a short time, you can create a delicious treat that is perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation.

Created by

Juniper Hale

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:15:34.828Z

When I first experimented with these Cottage Cheese Brownies, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese in a dessert. However, the results were surprisingly delightful. The cottage cheese not only makes the brownies fudgy but also adds a unique creaminess that you wouldn’t expect. I recommend blending the cottage cheese until smooth for the best texture, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the brownie batter.

One particular afternoon, I decided to add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavors further. The combination of chocolate and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste right after baking. These brownies are perfect for those who want a treat without the guilt!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor enhanced by warm cinnamon
Creamy and fudgy texture that feels indulgent
Simple ingredients that you likely have at home

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a star ingredient in these brownies, bringing moisture and protein to the recipe. By blending it until smooth, you ensure a creamy texture that integrates seamlessly into the batter. This not only enhances the fudge-like consistency but also allows the brownies to remain rich without the need for traditional high-fat ingredients. For those concerned about calories, cottage cheese provides a satisfying alternative to butter or oil, helping to keep these brownies on the healthier side.

If you're looking to swap out the cottage cheese, consider using Greek yogurt for a similar texture and protein boost. However, be mindful that Greek yogurt may add a tangy flavor, which could slightly alter the overall taste. For a dairy-free option, silken tofu can be blended to a smooth consistency as a substitute, ensuring that the fudginess is still intact.

Balancing Sweetness with Cocoa

The combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and sugars balances the brownies’ sweetness and chocolate flavor. Using both brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a depth of flavor; the molasses in brown sugar enhances the richness, while granulated sugar helps achieve the desired structure. If you prefer a less sweet treat, feel free to reduce the sugars by a couple of tablespoons, but remember that this may impact the texture slightly.

Top quality cocoa powder will elevate the flavor of your brownies, so choose a natural or Dutch-processed cocoa without added sugars or fats. This choice can make a notable difference in how chocolatey the final product turns out, enhancing that indulgent experience you’re going for.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Cut the brownies into squares, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months and thawed overnight in the fridge before serving.

For a delightful serving idea, serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. You can also top them with a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped nuts to add a contrasting texture and flavor. Don’t hesitate to get creative with spices; a pinch of nutmeg or even some espresso powder can boost the chocolate flavor even more.

Ingredients

Brownie Batter

1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, cocoa powder, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.

Combine Both Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Pour and Bake

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

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking. They add a nice crunch and additional flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies come out too dry, it might be because they were overbaked. Bake them just until the edges look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, rather than clean. Since every oven is different, keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect fudgy texture.

Conversely, if your brownies seem too gooey, they may not have had enough time in the oven or could have been removed too soon. Make sure to stick to the baking time, but also remember the toothpick test: it should not be completely clean, as that would indicate overbaking. A few moist crumbs are okay and preferred for that decadent, fudgy finish.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize these brownies by adding ingredients such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the batter. Fold in about a half-cup of your choice to make each bite more interesting. If you want to incorporate a fruity twist, consider swirling in some raspberry or peanut butter before baking for a tasty marbled effect.

For a spiced variation, try adding a tablespoon of pumpkin spice or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. This can provide a unique flavor twist that complements the chocolate and cinnamon beautifully, making it a fun surprise for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors.

Scaling the Recipe

If you wish to make a larger batch, it's easy to double this recipe for a 9x13-inch dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time since it may increase by a few minutes. To maintain the brownies' characteristic fudginess, ensure that you do not overmix the batter when doubling the ingredients.

Conversely, if you need to make a small batch, you can easily halve the recipe. Use a smaller baking dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep in mind that smaller portions may bake a bit quicker, so start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the original recipe indicates.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with yogurt?

Yes, you can use plain yogurt as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

→ How do I store these brownies?

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

→ Can I add other flavors to the brownies?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts or spices, like almond extract or nutmeg.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.