Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies {chocolate chip}

High protein chocolate chip cookies made with cottage cheese—soft, chewy, and delicious with crisp edges and a sweet, buttery flavor.

protein chocolate chip cookies made with cottage cheese

If you’re a cookie lover looking for a way to add a little extra protein to your favorite treat, you’re going to want to try these Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies. This recipe blends the nostalgia of a classic chocolate chip cookie with the creamy richness of blended cottage cheese—our not-so-secret ingredient that adds a boost of protein and softness without altering that buttery, golden brown cookie magic. Whether you’re baking for a sweet tooth or trying one of the viral TikTok make recipes with a health-conscious twist, these cookies are a must-try.

What makes this recipe extra special is its ability to marry indulgence with intention. Unlike regular cookies, this batch sneaks in full-fat cottage cheese for added moisture and nutritional value. They’re chewy, tender in the middle, and have perfectly crisp edges. Whether you use a cookie scoop for uniform dough balls or freehand it for that rustic look, these cookies are forgiving and foolproof. Perfect for after-school snacks, weekday baking, or impressing friends with your new favorite cottage cheese dessert, they might just replace your old go-to cookie recipe.


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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cottage cheese chocolate chip cookies check all the boxes: soft, chewy, chocolatey, and secretly packed with protein. They offer everything you love about a classic chocolate chip cookie—that warm, golden brown exterior, melty chocolate center, and buttery taste—but with a wholesome twist thanks to the cottage cheese mixture blended into the dough.

Unlike many other high protein dessert recipes that can taste dense or chalky, these cookies stay light and flavorful. The use of blended cottage cheese makes them creamy and soft without overpowering the traditional cookie flavor. If you’re on the lookout for a more nutritious dessert or want to try one of the many creative cottage cheese desserts circulating on social media, this recipe is a great place to start.


ingredient in protein cookies made with cottage cheese

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these protein-packed cookies:

  • 1 cup blended cottage cheese – The star of the show. Choose low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese depending on your preference. Blending it ensures a smooth texture that mixes well into the dough.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Use room temperature butter to ensure it creams well with the sugars.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds depth and softness.
  • 1/2 cup white sugar – Balances out the moisture with classic sweetness.
  • 1 large egg – Binds the dough and adds richness.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – A must for that signature cookie flavor.
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – Purpose flour provides structure and chew.
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tsp baking powder – These leavening agents help the cookies rise slightly while maintaining their soft texture.
  • 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – You can also try dark chocolate chips for a richer cookie.

Optional: Sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top before baking for that perfect sweet-salty finish.


How to Make the Recipe

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 minutes on medium speed.
  3. Add the blended cottage cheese mixture, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. Mix until just combined—do not overmix!
  6. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand or using the paddle attachment.
  7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
freshly cooked protein cookies

How to Store the Recipe

Once your cottage cheese cookies are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

To reheat, just pop them in a warm oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness.


Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use blended cottage cheese: For best texture, make sure your cottage cheese is completely smooth before adding it to the batter. A quick blend in a food processor or blender does the trick.
  • Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
  • Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sugar, reduce each sugar by 1–2 tablespoons. The cottage cheese mixture keeps the cookies moist regardless.
  • For thicker cookies: Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking. This helps reduce spread.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt: A pinch of sea salt on top before baking enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness.
  • Customize your mix-ins: Swap in nuts, dried fruit, or swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter or Nutella for extra flair.

So whether you’re diving into the latest TikTok make trend or just searching for a new twist on your favorite treat, these cottage cheese chocolate chip cookies are sure to satisfy. They’re chewy, chocolatey, and packed with sneaky nutrition—proving that you really can have your cookie and eat it too.


FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes! Both low-fat and full-fat cottage cheese work in this recipe. The full-fat version results in a richer cookie, while low-fat still provides moisture and protein.

Do these taste like cottage cheese?

Not at all. Once blended and baked, the cottage cheese mixture becomes nearly undetectable in taste. What you’re left with is a deliciously soft cookie with a hidden boost of protein.

Can I use whole wheat flour or almond flour?

You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Almond flour is not a 1:1 substitute here and may lead to a crumbly texture.

How much protein is in each cookie?

Exact protein content depends on the brand of cottage cheese you use, but these cookies have more protein than regular cookies, making them a great high protein dessert option.

What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?

No problem! Use a tablespoon or your hands to form dough balls. They don’t need to be perfect to taste amazing.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Just let it come slightly to room temp for easier scooping.

More Cottage Cheese Desserts

protein cookies made with cottage cheese

Cottage Cheese Protein Cookies {chocolate chip}

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 156 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cottage cheese blended
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  • Add the blended cottage cheese, egg, and vanilla. Mix on medium-low until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing.
  • Stir in the chocolate chips using the paddle attachment or by hand. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
  • Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 113mgPotassium: 71mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 144IUCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cookie, desserts, high protein, protein desserts, sweet treat
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