These Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies are a fun and tasty treat that’s packed with protein! Made with simple ingredients, they make a great snack or quick breakfast.
What I love most is how soft and chewy these cookies are. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: The star of these cookies! Low-fat cottage cheese gives a creamy texture and adds protein. If you’re not a fan, you can try Greek yogurt for a similar texture and flavor.
Rolled Oats: These add nutrition and chewiness. Quick oats can be used if you want a finer texture, but avoid instant oats as they change the cookie structure.
Almond Flour: It gives a nice nutty flavor. If you have nut allergies, swap it for whole wheat flour or oat flour. It may slightly change the texture, but they’ll still be tasty!
Protein Powder: Vanilla flavor enhances sweetness. If you’re not into protein powder, you could skip it, but consider adding more oats or another flour for the structure.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup adds natural sweetness. You could use agave nectar or stevia for a lower-calorie option. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Cookies Hold Their Shape?
To keep your cookies from spreading too much during baking, follow these tips:
- If your batter is too wet, consider adding a bit more almond flour or oats to help firm it up.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the fats and keeps them from spreading too quickly.
- Make sure you’re using a parchment-lined baking sheet, as this helps with even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Don’t flatten the cookies too much before baking; just dollop them onto the sheet for a thicker, chewier cookie.
By following these tips, your cookies will come out soft, chewy, and perfectly shaped every time!
Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts or sliced almonds (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake. So, you can have delicious, protein-packed cookies ready in about 30-35 minutes, perfect for a quick snack or a nutritious breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Blend the Cottage Cheese:
In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until it becomes smooth. This step will help create a creamy base for your cookies.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You’re creating a lovely, sweet mixture!
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Next, add in the rolled oats, almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Don’t worry if the mixture seems thick; that’s normal!
5. Add the Extras:
Gently fold in the raisins and, if you’d like, the chopped nuts or sliced almonds. This adds extra flavor and texture to your cookies!
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop dollops of the cookie mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread a little while baking.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. After that, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy and Store:
Serve your delicious Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for up to a week. They make for a great healthy snack or a quick breakfast on the go!
Enjoy every bite of these soft, chewy, and nutritious cookies!
Can I Use Different Types of Sweeteners?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey or maple syrup with agave nectar or coconut sugar if you prefer. Just remember that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust the quantity to your taste!
How Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Use plant-based cottage cheese or silken tofu as a substitute for cottage cheese.
What Other Mix-Ins Can I Use?
You can get creative with your mix-ins! Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or shredded coconut for different flavors and textures. Just remember to keep the overall measurements balanced!
How to Store the Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before enjoying.