Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup hazelnut spread; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Cozy Collection

I love baking these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread because they offer a unique twist on traditional brownies. Not only do they provide a delightful texture, but the hazelnut spread adds a luxurious creaminess that is hard to resist. I've experimented with various ingredients and found that using cottage cheese not only boosts nutrition but also keeps the brownies moist and rich. Every bite feels indulgent while being surprisingly guilt-free, making these brownies perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Tilda Greenwood

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:56:36.566Z

When I first made these brownies, I was skeptical about using cottage cheese. However, the result was a revelation! The addition of cottage cheese contributed to a wonderfully moist texture while enhancing the nutritional profile without compromising flavor. I was amazed at how rich and satisfying they turned out.

To get the most out of these brownies, I recommend blending the cottage cheese thoroughly so it's completely smooth before adding it to the batter. This helps incorporate it seamlessly, ensuring each bite is just as delightful as the last!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty hazelnut spread
Moist texture that feels indulgent yet healthy
Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the guilt

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is not just a protein boost; it plays a crucial role in achieving the moist texture of these brownies. When blended until smooth, it integrates seamlessly into the batter, contributing to a rich fudginess without the heaviness often associated with traditional brownie recipes. This unique ingredient allows you to enjoy the indulgent nature of brownies while incorporating a healthier component. Make sure to choose full-fat cottage cheese for the best results, as it enhances creaminess and flavor.

Blending cottage cheese thoroughly is essential to avoid any curds in the finished brownies. If you're short on time, you can use a food processor or a high-speed blender, which ensures an even smoother texture. Just be mindful not to over-blend, as it can become too liquid. Perfectly blended cottage cheese will provide a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the cocoa, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect Brownies

Achieving the ideal brownie texture—a balance between fudgy and fluffy—requires precise baking. Be sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), as an unheated oven can lead to uneven baking and sogginess. It's a good idea to use an oven thermometer to confirm that your oven is at the correct temperature. When baking, look for the edges to pull slightly away from the pan and a soft center that springs back when lightly touched to indicate doneness.

Letting the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes helps them set and makes slicing easier. If you want to enhance the flavor even more, consider sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top right before serving. Not only does it add a delightful contrast, but it also enhances the chocolate and hazelnut flavors. For a special touch, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup hazelnut spread
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Enjoy your deliciously unique brownies!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend Cottage Cheese

In a bowl, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. This creates a creamier batter.

Mix All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, sugar, cocoa powder, flour, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until fully incorporated.

Add Hazelnut Spread

Gently fold in the hazelnut spread, ensuring even distribution without over-mixing.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing into squares and enjoying!

Serve and enjoy your moist and scrumptious brownies!

Pro Tips

For an extra treat, sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts on top before baking for added crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar, but remember to adjust the liquid content of your batter accordingly. These alternatives can add a unique flavor profile that complements the hazelnut spread beautifully, although they may slightly alter the texture.

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly, resulting in a denser brownie, but it still contributes to the fudgy quality you're aiming for. Just be cautious to not over-mix when incorporating your alternative flour.

Storage and Freezing

These brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container, which helps maintain their moist texture. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. I recommend wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag, which allows you to enjoy a guilt-free treat anytime.

To thaw, simply place the brownies in the refrigerator overnight or for a quicker option, microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating as this can dry them out. A quick refresh in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes works great too—this will revive their gooey texture for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for a similar creamy texture.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.