Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cocoa Nibs

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

Highlighted under: Cozy Ideas

I can't get enough of these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cocoa Nibs! The unique combination of cottage cheese creates a moist texture while lending a slight tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness. Plus, the cocoa nibs add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of rich chocolate flavor. I've made these brownies countless times, and each time they disappear faster than I can serve them. They're the ultimate guilt-free treat that I love to share with friends and family, and they’ll surely become a favorite for you too!

Created by

Marnie Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:24:39.462Z

These brownies have become my go-to dessert for gatherings because everyone raves about them. One secret I've learned is perfectly blending the cottage cheese until smooth, which keeps the brownies wonderfully moist. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some protein without compromising flavor!

Another tip I swear by is folding in the cocoa nibs lightly, allowing them to add texture without sinking to the bottom. This not only elevates the brownie experience but makes for an impressive presentation with that rustic look. Trust me, every bite is a delightful surprise!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy cocoa nibs
Moist texture from cottage cheese that is surprisingly delightful
Guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese plays a pivotal role in these brownies, providing a moist, tender texture that sets them apart from traditional recipes. When blended until smooth, it creates a batter that not only holds its shape during baking but also retains a delightful softness. This unique ingredient also contributes a subtle tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar and cocoa, resulting in a well-balanced flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Because cottage cheese has a high protein content, these brownies are not only a sweet treat but also somewhat nutritious. If you're looking to make these brownies even lighter, you could opt for low-fat or even non-fat cottage cheese. Just remember that the richer the cottage cheese, the creamier the end result will be, making it an essential component to achieve that velvety texture.

Perfecting Your Brownies

When it comes to mixing the batter, it’s crucial that you avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients. Gently folding in the flour and salt until just combined will help you achieve those beautifully fudgy brownies. If you overmix, you risk developing gluten, which can lead to tougher brownies. Once the batter is smooth with a few visible streaks of flour, you’re ready to fold in the cocoa nibs and then get baking.

One of my favorite techniques is to use a rubber spatula to fold ingredients. This ensures that the mixture is combined evenly without deflating the batter. When you pour the batter into your greased baking pan, give it a gentle shake to level the top—it will result in even baking and uniform edges. Keep an eye on the baking time; I find that checking for doneness around 25 minutes often yields the best results.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Blend the Cottage Cheese

In a blender or food processor, puree the cottage cheese until smooth. This step is crucial for getting that velvety texture in the brownies.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pureed cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour and salt, gently folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Cocoa Nibs

Fold in the cocoa nibs, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the brownies before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage Tips

These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, which can keep them fresh for up to a week. Make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag to preserve freshness for up to three months.

When you’re ready to eat the frozen brownies, simply take them out of the freezer and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. For a warm, gooey experience, you can microwave a brownie for about 15-20 seconds. Just keep an eye on it while heating to avoid overheating, which can dry out the texture.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool, creamy toppings create a delightful contrast to the rich, fudgy brownies. For an added layer of flavor, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce right before serving.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter? Walnuts or pecans can introduce a crunchy texture, while dried cherries or cranberries offer a fruity contrast that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate. Just remember to adjust the amount of cocoa nibs accordingly so the flavors remain balanced.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well to keep the brownies moist without adding too many calories.

→ What can I substitute for cocoa nibs?

If you don't have cocoa nibs, you can substitute with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a similar texture and sweetness.

→ How should I store these brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for longer preservation.

→ Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would pair wonderfully with these brownies.