Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love making Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon! They're a delightful twist on traditional brownies and bring a wonderful moisture and richness to the table. The creamy cottage cheese not only enhances the texture but also adds a unique flavor that marries beautifully with the warm notes of cinnamon. Trust me, once you try these brownies, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. Plus, they’re simpler to make than you’d think, making them perfect for any occasion!
I first stumbled upon Cottage Cheese Brownies while experimenting with healthier dessert options and it completely changed how I perceive brownies. The cottage cheese adds a level of moistness I've never tasted before, and cinnamon gives it that warm, inviting aroma. A key reason this method works so beautifully is that the cottage cheese acts as a perfect substitute for some of the fat, all while enriching the flavor of the brownies.
When I first made these for my family, I topped them with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few walnuts. The reaction was priceless! They couldn’t believe these decadent treats were made with cottage cheese. My tip is to blend the cottage cheese well; this ensures a smoother texture in the final product. Don’t skip this step, as it will make all the difference in how your brownies turn out!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich brownie flavor complemented by cinnamon warmth
- Creamy texture thanks to the cottage cheese
- A healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor
Perfecting the Texture
The key to achieving the ideal texture in these Cottage Cheese Brownies lies in properly blending the cottage cheese. Ensure it is super smooth before adding to the other wet ingredients. This not only helps create a creamy consistency but also integrates evenly into the batter, preventing any lumpy texture in the final product. If you're using a blender or food processor, blend for about 1-2 minutes until silky, which will help ensure that every bite is luscious and moist.
Cottage cheese adds a rich moisture that temper differences in dry ingredients. When mixing, be careful not to overcombine, as this can lead to brownies that are tough rather than tender. Stir until the dry ingredients are just incorporated for a delicately fluffy texture. You'll know you’ve done it right when the batter is glossy and smooth, with a slightly thick consistency that will hold its shape during baking.
Baking Tips
When baking, precise timing is crucial. Keep an eye on your brownies starting at the 20-minute mark. Use the toothpick test delicately; insert it into the center and check if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with a wet batter, return it to the oven for 2-3 more minutes. Brownies will continue to firm up while cooling, so it's better to underbake slightly than to risk a dry end product.
For a twist, consider incorporating chocolate chips or nuts into your batter for added texture and flavor. If you want to keep it dairy-free, substitute cottage cheese with silken tofu blended until smooth—this will keep your brownies moist while catering to different dietary needs. Just remember to gently fold in these extras at the final mixing stage to help maintain the airy texture.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Cottage Cheese Brownies:
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to bake!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your brownies:
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Blend Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Serve as is or top with powdered sugar.
Your delicious brownies are ready to be enjoyed!
Pro Tips
- Make sure to blend the cottage cheese until very smooth for the best texture. Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and crunch!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once your brownies have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them! Cut the brownies into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for those impromptu cravings.
To serve, you can either enjoy them straight from the fridge for a firmer texture or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for a softer, gooier bite. Reheating individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds brings back the warmth, making them delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This contrast creates a truly indulgent experience!
Serving Suggestions
These Cottage Cheese Brownies are wonderful on their own, but you can elevate them further with toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar gives a touch of elegance, while a drizzle of chocolate ganache can turn them into a decadent dessert perfect for parties. If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle a spoonful of crushed nuts or shredded coconut for added flavor and crunch.
For those festive occasions, you can also add seasonal spices like nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon for a warmer flavor profile. Don't hesitate to customize based on what you have available—often, the little tweaks can lead to discovering a new favorite variant of this already delightful recipe!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute, but it will slightly change the flavor and texture.
→ Is there a gluten-free option?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they're well-wrapped.
Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon
I absolutely love making Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon! They're a delightful twist on traditional brownies and bring a wonderful moisture and richness to the table. The creamy cottage cheese not only enhances the texture but also adds a unique flavor that marries beautifully with the warm notes of cinnamon. Trust me, once you try these brownies, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. Plus, they’re simpler to make than you’d think, making them perfect for any occasion!
Created by: Jasmine Porter
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 16.0
What You'll Need
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Serve as is or top with powdered sugar.
Extra Tips
- Make sure to blend the cottage cheese until very smooth for the best texture. Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and crunch!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 5g