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; 1/2 cup hazelnut spread; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt

Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen

I absolutely love making these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Hazelnut Spread whenever I need a decadent treat without the guilt. The addition of cottage cheese creates a rich, moist texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy hazelnut spread. Every bite is a luscious experience that leaves you wanting more. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to whip up! This recipe combines my passion for healthier desserts with the irresistible flavors of chocolate and hazelnut, making it perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Rhiannon Sutherland

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:28:37.109Z

When I first tried cottage cheese in brownies, I was skeptical. However, after a few adjustments to the usual recipe, the result was phenomenal! The cottage cheese not only boosts protein content but also yields a fudgy texture that you wouldn't believe came from a healthier ingredient. I often whip these up for gatherings and watch friends devour them, completely unaware of the sneaky cottage cheese!

As I refined the flavor profile, adding hazelnut spread made all the difference. The nutty notes elevate the chocolate flavor to another level, making this dessert a delightful surprise. Utilizing high-quality ingredients, especially for the hazelnut spread, can turn these brownies into a sublime treat that satisfies every sweet tooth.

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Unbelievably fudgy and moist texture
Nutty flavor from hazelnut spread enhances chocolate
A healthier twist on a classic dessert

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese might seem like an unusual ingredient in brownies, but its inclusion is what lends these treats their incredibly moist yet fudgy texture. The protein-rich cottage cheese not only contributes to the brownie’s structure but also enhances the overall flavor profile, making them decadent without the excess fat found in traditional recipes. For the best results, use well-blended cottage cheese to ensure a smooth batter that bakes evenly.

When selecting cottage cheese, opt for the low-fat variety if you’re looking to keep this dessert on the lighter side. The slight tanginess from the cottage cheese complements the sweetness of the hazelnut spread beautifully, creating a harmonious balance that makes each bite delectable. It's important to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly; I recommend using a blender or food processor if you enjoy an ultra-smooth texture.

Hazelnut Spread: A Nutty Twist

The hazelnut spread is the star of this brownie recipe, adding a rich nutty flavor that perfectly pairs with chocolate. Choose a high-quality spread with a good balance of chocolate and hazelnut; this will elevate the taste of your brownies significantly. The creaminess from the spread helps to create a dense, fudge-like consistency while providing a luxurious mouthfeel on the palate.

If you’re looking for an alternative to hazelnut spread, you can use almond butter or even peanut butter for a different yet delicious flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will shift slightly, but the overall texture should remain similar. Be cautious with sugar adjustments, as nut butters can vary in sweetness, which might require some tweaking to achieve the perfect taste.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—though they might not last that long once everyone gets a taste! For extended storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

For serving, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top. They are delightful on their own but can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for an enhanced dessert experience. To reheat frozen brownies, pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds, and enjoy a warm, gooey treat!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cottage Cheese Brownies:

Main Ingredients

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

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your brownies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, hazelnut spread, sugar, cocoa powder, flour, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.

Pour and Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

Enjoy your indulgent yet healthier brownies!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts on top before baking or drizzle with more hazelnut spread once cooled.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when baking brownies can be overmixing the batter. This can lead to tougher brownies due to excess gluten development from the flour. Aim to mix just until all ingredients are combined and the batter is homogenous. If you notice lumps of cottage cheese remaining, it's preferable to leave them rather than risk overmixing.

Another potential pitfall is baking time. Since oven temperatures can vary, I recommend checking for doneness a couple of minutes before the 25-minute mark. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs—this indicates that the brownies are fudgy and not overbaked. If it emerges completely clean, the brownies may be drier than desired.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is quite easy to scale up for larger gatherings. If you need to double the batch, use a larger baking pan, such as a 13x9-inch, and increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. Just ensure to keep an eye on the edges to prevent them from becoming too dry. Adjust as needed by performing the toothpick test for doneness.

If you want to make a smaller batch, consider halving the ingredients and using a smaller baking dish, like an 8x4-inch loaf pan. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller batches usually bake quicker. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly due to changes in pan size.

Creative Variations

Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can provide an additional crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy chocolate texture. You can also add chocolate chips or chunks for an extra chocolatey experience, enhancing the flavor while increasing the delicious gooeyness.

If you're a fan of different flavor profiles, consider adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter. This small addition will intensify the chocolate flavor without overpowering the brownies. Alternatively, a touch of orange zest can offer a refreshing citrus twist that pairs well with hazelnut and chocolate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese with something else?

You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute, but it may alter the texture slightly.

→ How should I store the brownies?

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

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are properly wrapped.

→ What can I pair with these brownies?

They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.