These Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies are a yummy way to enjoy a treat while getting some extra protein! They are soft, chewy, and super easy to make.
I love that they’re packed with cottage cheese, making them a healthy snack. Plus, who can resist cookies? Perfect for a quick pick-me-up or sharing with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient, providing protein and moisture. If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can use Greek yogurt for a similar texture and protein boost.
Oat Flour: Oat flour gives these cookies a nice, wholesome texture. If you can’t find it, you can easily make your own by blending rolled oats into a fine powder. All-purpose flour also works, though it may change the flavor slightly.
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder adds flavor and extra protein. If you’re after a non-flavored option, that works too! You can skip it completely if you prefer a lighter cookie, but keep in mind it will affect the texture.
Sweetener: Choose any sweetener you like! Honey or maple syrup adds a touch of flavor. For a lower-calorie option, feel free to use stevia or another sugar substitute.
Applesauce: It keeps the cookies moist. If you don’t have any on hand, mashed bananas or additional cottage cheese can be used instead, though it may slightly alter the taste.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
Getting the right texture in your cookies is essential for that chewy bite! Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the dough once the wet and dry ingredients are combined; just mix until everything is incorporated.
- Ensure to not flatten the cookies too much before baking. They will spread a bit, giving them a nice shape.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Check for golden edges and a set center; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely.
With these tips, your Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies will turn out soft, chewy, and utterly delicious! Enjoy snacking guilt-free!
Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably low-fat)
- 1 cup oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1/4 cup sweetener of choice (e.g., honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (for moisture)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you should have these delicious cookies ready to enjoy in about 30-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir these ingredients together so they are well combined and set aside. You want these flavors to mingle before adding the wet ingredients!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, sweetener, applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. It’s okay if the cottage cheese has a few lumps; that’s part of the charm!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is “just” combined, being careful not to overmix; you want to maintain a nice, soft texture.
5. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the chocolate chips, stirring just enough to incorporate them into the dough. This will ensure a sweet surprise in every bite!
6. Scoop and Shape Cookies:
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten them with the back of a spoon to shape cookie rounds. They won’t spread much while baking, so shape them how you want them to look!
7. Bake Cookies:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks set. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
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. Now, it’s time to enjoy your tasty, high-protein, soft, and chewy cookies!
These Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies are great for snacking or as a treat anytime you need a little pick-me-up. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute and will provide a similar texture and protein boost. Just make sure to use plain yogurt to keep the flavor balanced.
What If I Don’t Have Oat Flour?
No worries! You can easily make your own oat flour by blending rolled oats in a blender or food processor until finely ground. Alternatively, you can use all-purpose flour, but this might slightly change the taste and texture.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can add chopped nuts, seeds, or even dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Just keep an eye on the total volume so your cookies don’t become too dry.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying!