Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon Sugar

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon Sugar
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; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baked Collection

I’ve always been on the lookout for healthier dessert options, and these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon Sugar completely won me over. They have the decadent chocolate flavor I crave while incorporating the protein-rich goodness of cottage cheese. The addition of cinnamon sugar on top adds an irresistible sweetness and crunch. Not only do they satisfy those chocolate cravings, but they also feel a tad guilt-free. I love how they come together quickly and are perfect for snacks or a special treat!

Created by

Hester Lockwood

Last updated on 2026-01-11T15:33:35.612Z

When I first experimented with adding cottage cheese to brownies, I was skeptical. However, after tasting this version, I knew I struck gold! The cottage cheese not only amps up the nutrition but also lends a moist texture that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate. I found that using a good quality cocoa powder made all the difference in flavor.

As I continued refining this recipe, I decided to sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking. The aroma wafting through my kitchen made it impossible to resist tasting them straight out of the oven. They were a hit for both my family and friends!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of cinnamon sweetness
Protein-packed goodness from cottage cheese without compromising texture
Easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or treating yourself

Understanding Ingredients

The star ingredient in these brownies is cottage cheese, which not only adds moisture but also packs a protein punch that traditional brownie recipes lack. Make sure to choose a smooth variety, as chunky cottage cheese can affect the final texture. If you're looking for a lower-fat option, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but avoid non-fat, as it may result in a drier brownie.

Cocoa powder plays a crucial role in achieving that rich chocolate flavor. Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential here; it delivers the deep chocolate taste without added sweetness, helping to balance the sugar content in the recipe. If you want a deeper cocoa flavor, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa powder as it can provide a smoother taste and darker color.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

When pouring the brownie batter into the prepared pan, take care to spread it level to ensure even baking. Uneven spreading can result in inconsistent texture and undercooked areas. For best results, use an offset spatula, which allows you to smoothly distribute the batter across the edges and corners of the pan.

Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens may vary. You want to pull the brownies out when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they are fudgy and not overbaked. If you prefer denser brownies, aim for the shorter end of the baking time range, but if you enjoy a more cake-like texture, extend the baking by a few minutes.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These brownies can be enjoyed warm, or for a more indulgent treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months.

You can also experiment with different toppings. Try adding chopped nuts for extra crunch or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast. If you're feeling adventurous, swirl in some peanut butter or a rich caramel before baking to elevate the flavor profile even further.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

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

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, blend together the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.

Add to the Baking Pan

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the brownie batter evenly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven 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 about 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

Pro Tips

For extra richness, add chocolate chips to the brownie mix. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-blended for a smoother texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies turn out too dry, it may be due to overmixing the batter or baking for too long. To achieve the perfect fudgy texture, mix just until the flour is incorporated, and keep an eye on the timer. Remember, brownies will continue to cook slightly as they cool in the pan, so don’t hesitate to pull them out a bit early.

On the other hand, if your brownies are too gooey in the center, they likely need a few more minutes in the oven. Check them around the 20-minute mark, and if the toothpick still comes out wet, give them an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid overbaking.

Variations to Try

For a fun twist, consider adding a swirl of pumpkin puree into the brownie batter for a seasonal flavor. This not only adds moisture but also a boost of nutrition. Just be mindful to adjust the flour slightly if using a thicker puree to maintain the balance of wet and dry ingredients.

If you want to make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. These blends often contain a mix of flours and starches to mimic the properties of all-purpose flour, so they work well in recipes like this, yielding delicious results.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt for a similar texture and flavor.

→ How should I store these brownies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I use a different sweetener?

Absolutely! You can substitute with honey or a sugar alternative to fit your dietary needs.

→ Are these brownies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.