Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup hazelnut spread; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Golden Food

I always love discovering new ways to enjoy indulgent treats that are a tad healthier. That’s why these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread are a favorite in my kitchen! The cottage cheese adds moisture and protein while keeping the texture incredibly fudgy. Plus, the rich hazelnut flavor takes them over the top. I encourage you to try these brownies for a delightful dessert that doesn’t completely derail your healthy eating goals!

Created by

Elin Matthews

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:10:36.958Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of using cottage cheese in desserts, I was skeptical. However, after making these brownies, I realized it not only enhances the nutritional profile but also gives them a unique texture that’s hard to resist. My family devoured these brownies in no time!

What I love most is that the combination of hazelnut spread with the cottage cheese really elevates the flavor. I've found that baking these brownies for exactly 30 minutes ensures they are perfectly fudgy without being undercooked. Give them a shot, and I promise you will be pleasantly surprised!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
Fudgy texture that satisfies chocolate cravings
Nutty and creamy hazelnut flavor
Lower in sugar yet still indulgent

Understanding the Ingredients

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient of these brownies, lending not only moisture but also protein that helps create that indulgent, fudgy texture. The creamy consistency of cottage cheese ensures that the brownies have a depth of flavor without becoming overly heavy. When blending it with the hazelnut spread and cocoa, make sure to use a high-speed blender to achieve a perfectly smooth batter; this step is crucial for achieving a silky mouthfeel in the final product.

The choice of hazelnut spread adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. Opt for a quality spread that has minimal added sugar to keep your brownies on the healthier side. If you're looking for a nut-free alternative, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can provide a similar creaminess, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly. Just remember to adjust the sweetness as necessary based on the spread you choose.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

When mixing your brownie batter, it's important to blend until it's completely smooth to prevent any lumps from ruining the texture. I recommend pausing the mixer or blender at intervals to scrape down the sides with a spatula. This ensures every ingredient is fully incorporated, resulting in a consistent and fudgy brownie. Overmixing, however, can lead to a denser texture; just blend until combined.

Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking. Ideally, the brownies should be removed when the edges are firm, but the center still appears slightly soft. The toothpick test should yield a few moist crumbs, indicating that they will set further upon cooling. If they're slightly underbaked, don't worry; the residual heat in the pan will help them continue to cook as they cool, resulting in a perfectly gooey finish.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup hazelnut spread
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Directions

Preheat the oven

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

Blend the ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, hazelnut spread, cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

Pour into the baking pan

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Bake

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares and serving.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top before baking for an extra crunch!

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies are delightful on their own but can be taken up a notch with various toppings. Consider dusting them with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation. For an extra decadent treat, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of additional hazelnut spread can elevate them to a stunning dessert. You can even serve them alongside fresh berries for a pop of color and natural sweetness.

For storage, keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them to extend their freshness. If you want to prepare them in advance, they freeze exceptionally well. Just cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. They can be thawed overnight in the fridge or enjoyed straight from the freezer for a cool treat.

Customizations and Variations

Feel free to mix in ingredients to customize these brownies to your taste. Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can add a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture. Chocolate chips, whether semi-sweet or dark, can also enhance the chocolate depth and make for an even more indulgent treat. Just be cautious not to overload the batter, as this may affect the baking time and final texture.

If you're looking to experiment with flavors, try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to enhance the chocolate richness. Alternatively, adding a pinch of sea salt on top right before baking can elevate the overall flavor profile, creating a delightful contrast against the sweetness of the brownies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the hazelnut spread?

Yes, you can use almond butter or any nut butter of your choice for a different flavor.

→ How should I store the leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

→ Are they gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free flour blend, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free!