Even if you’re sticking to your 2025 health goals, desserts like cookies don’t need to be treated like the enemy. All it takes is a simple swap to make a healthier batch of cookies. So, it’s worth trying cottage cheese cookies—which use the dairy staple in place of traditional butter. This swap produces a creamy dough that bakes into soft and chewy cookies that are high in protein. You won’t be able to taste the difference, especially if you’re making a decadent chocolate-chip variety. Find out how to make cottage cheese cookies as a feel-good treat!
What are cottage cheese cookies?
These cookies combine cottage cheese with baking staples such as flour, sugar and vanilla extract. Once the ingredients form a cookie dough, it’s scooped onto a tray and baked until the cookies are golden brown. The cottage cheese holds the cookies together, while adding a nice dose of appetite-satisfying protein. (Read more about the health benefits of cottage cheese.)
Do cottage cheese cookies need to be refrigerated?
After baking the cookies, you don’t need to refrigerate them for storage. Simply place them in an airtight container where they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. Though they might be gone sooner than that as the cookies are fluffy, soft and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
How to make cottage cheese chocolate chip cookies
The most popular version of these treats is cottage cheese chocolate chip cookies. Try this recipe from Eating Bird Food blog, which comes together in under 30 minutes.
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup large-curd cottage cheese
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup almond flour
2 tbsp melted coconut oil
½ cup vanilla protein powder (preferably plant-based protein for the best texture)
½ cup chocolate chips + more for topping
Directions:
Active: 10 mins
Total time: 25 mins
Yield: 15 cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
In blender, add cottage cheese, maple syrup and vanilla. Blend on high until smooth.
In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour and protein powder. Add coconut oil and cottage cheese mixture.
Stir until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet using a medium cookie scoop and use your hands to flatten the cookies just a bit to form a cookie shape. (Note: You can also roll the cookie dough into a ball and then use your hand to flatter for a more uniform shape.) Add a couple more chocolate chips on top of each cookie.
Bake for about 15 to 16 minutes or until bottom of cookies are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy!
Nutrition (per cookie): 124 calories, 8 grams protein and 8 grams fat
[ami-stories label=”Read on for more flavorsome cottage cheese recipes:” article1_id=”435953″ article1_title=”These Crispy Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites Are the Perfect Protein-Packed Snack or Party Appetizer” article1_url=”https://firstforwomen.com/food-recipes/quick-and-easy-recipes/make-crispy-mac-and-cheese-bites-with-cottage-cheese-for-extra-protein” article1_target=”1″ article1_nofollow=”” article1_sponsored=”” article2_id=”434426″ article2_title=”8+ Fast and Flavorful Homemade Cottage Cheese Snacks Loaded With Protein Power for All-Day Energy” article2_url=”https://firstforwomen.com/food-recipes/quick-and-easy-recipes/cottage-cheese-snacks-protein-packed-ideas-to-keep-you-fueled” article2_target=”1″ article2_nofollow=”” article2_sponsored=”” article3_id=”433364″ article3_title=”Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Is a Feel-Good Version of Your Favorite Pie: Easy Recipe Bakes in 15 Minutes” article3_url=”https://firstforwomen.com/food-recipes/quick-and-easy-recipes/cottage-cheese-pizza-bowl-recipe-delivers-on-cheesiness-and-protein” article3_target=”1″ article3_nofollow=”” article3_sponsored=””]