What if I told you there’s a guilt-free way to enjoy cookie dough? It sounds too good to be true, right? You’re in luck! This viral cottage cheese cookie dough recipe is a delicious treat that’s simple to make and is the perfect recipe if you have a sweet tooth but want to make healthier choices.
There’s something truly magical about cookie dough. The creamy, sweet, and slightly salty flavor makes it irresistible and now we’ve found a way to make it a little more filling, balanced and satisfying. Kind of like what we did with the Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins.
Cookie dough is a timeless comfort food that has the power to transport us back to our childhoods with just one spoonful. And who can resist the allure of those cookie dough ice cream chunks?
But what if I told you that there’s a way to elevate this classic recipe even further and make it a bit healthier? That’s where cottage cheese comes into play.
How To Make Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough
This cottage cheese cookie dough recipe has a unique twist on the classic cookie dough recipe. What sets this recipe apart is its safety for raw consumption, making it a worry-free indulgence. What I particularly appreciate about this recipe is its simplicity, relying on just a handful of common ingredients. It eliminates the need for eggs, traditionally present in cookie dough recipes, which makes it safe to enjoy unbaked. This simplifies the preparation process and allows you to savor the nostalgic flavor and texture of cookie dough without concerns. It’s the perfect treat for those moments when you’re craving something sweet, comforting, and hassle-free.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Recipe
Cottage cheese recipes have been gaining popularity as a versatile ingredient in various recipes like cottage cheese ice cream, cottage cheese bark and so much more. Protein-packed cottage cheese adds a creamy texture that works wonders in transforming traditional cookie dough into a more nutritious and exciting version. Here’s how:
- Protein Boost: Cottage cheese is a protein powerhouse, and incorporating it into your cookie dough not only adds a pleasant creaminess but also amps up the protein content with 12 grams of protein per 1/2 cup. This makes your sweet treat a bit more satiating and nutritious.
- Creamy Texture: Cottage cheese’s texture can mimic the creaminess of traditional cookie dough while also providing a slightly tangy note. It blends beautifully with other ingredients, creating a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Balanced Flavor: The mild flavor of cottage cheese complements the sweetness of the cookie dough, resulting in a well-balanced taste that’s not overly sugary.
- Customization: Just like regular cookie dough, you can customize your cottage cheese cookie dough by adding chocolate chips, peanut butter, nuts, fruit or any other mix-ins you prefer.
So, without further ado, I’m excited to share my own take on this trending edible cottage cheese cookie dough recipe. With a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, it’s a delicious treat that promises to satisfy your cookie dough cravings while keeping your protein intake in check.
Best Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese: It wouldn’t be the best cottage cheese cookie dough recipe without cottage cheese, would it? My all-time favorite cottage cheese is the one from Good Culture. As someone who waited 30 years to eat cottage cheese because of texture, Good Culture is a 10/10. I have tried different brands and no one does it like Good Culture. I like to use the whole milk option because the fat helps with satiety and keeps you full for longer.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds depth and complexity to this cottage cheese cookie dough recipe.
- Maple syrup: This enhances flavor and sweetness. It provides a rich, natural sweetness that complements the creamy and slightly tangy cottage cheese, resulting in a more balanced and delightful taste.
- Almond flour: This forms the base of our cookie dough, providing a unique nutty flavor and ensuring our dough is safe to eat raw, as there’s no need to heat-treat it like traditional flour.
- Vanilla protein powder: There are a few reasons why adding vanilla protein powder is important in this recipe. First, it’s a convenient way to increase the protein content of the cookie dough, it adds a pleasant vanilla taste, and it contributes to the texture of the cookie dough, making it smoother and creamier.
- Chocolate chips: Adding chocolate chips is optional. I have tried this high protein recipe with and without the chocolate chips and it was delicious both ways!
Instructions
Step 1: Add ingredients to a food processor
Add the cottage cheese maple syrup and vanilla extract to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend cottage cheese, syrup and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 2: Add ingredients to cottage cheese mixture
Pour into a medium size bowl and add the almond flour and vanilla protein powder. Stir until a dough-like consistency forms.
Step 3: Add in the chocolate chips
Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, fold the cottage cheese cookie dough and the chocolate chips together.
Tips for Making the Best High-Protein Edible Cookie Dough
1. Begin with Fresh, Quality Ingredients: Elevate your cottage cheese cookie dough recipe by starting with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for premium cottage cheese and almond flour, and vanilla extract. Using high-quality ingredients will greatly enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies, ensuring they’re truly irresistible.
2. Master the Art of Creaming: Achieve cookie perfection by thoroughly mixing your dry ingredients with wet ingredients. This technique introduces air into your dough, resulting in cookies that are soft and tender. Don’t rush this step; take the time to cream the mixture for a minimum of 2-3 minutes for the best results.
3. Embrace the Chilling Phase: After preparing your cottage cheese cookie dough, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is a game-changer—it firms it up, making it easier to handle, and prevents excessive spreading during baking. Plus, it intensifies the cookie’s flavors, making each bite a delight.
4. Get Creative with Mix-Ins: Make your cottage cheese cookie dough truly unique by experimenting with mix-ins. While classic chocolate chips are a beloved choice, consider adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or a hint of citrus zest to infuse extra flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cookie dough should have a slightly sticky but moldable texture. To make the edible cookie dough more dough and less sticky, gradually add more almond flour, one teaspoon at a time, until it becomes easier to handle.
Yes, it is generally better to rest edible cookie dough before eating for flavor development and texture improvement. Resting the cottage cheese dough allows time for the ingredients to meld together, enhancing the flavor of your cookies.
Elevate your high-protein edible cookie dough with a variety of mix-ins. Classic chocolate chips offer a sweet and gooey delight, while chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans introduce a satisfying crunch and an extra protein punch. Swirl in creamy almond or peanut butter for a rich, nutty twist. For a fruity kick, consider dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots. Incorporate chia seeds or flax seeds for added crunch and nutritional benefits. Or, opt for cocoa or cacao nibs for a deep chocolatey flavor without excess sugar.
Refrigerate in an air-tight container for up to 3-5 days.
Yes, you can freeze cottage cheese edible cookie dough. I prefer to freeze mine in an ice cube tray for bite-sized treats that are ready whenever I need a little sweet treat. You can also wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and place it inside an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
This recipe is gluten free since it uses almond flour, just make sure that you are also using a gluten-free protein powder as well.
Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Recipe
Equipment
- 1 food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- To a blender, add the cottage cheese, vanilla extract, and maple syrup and blend until smooth.
- Pour the cottage cheese mixture into a medium mixing bowl. Add in the almond flour and protein powder. Stir until a dough-like consistency forms. Taste the cottage cheese mixture to ensure the flavors are to your liking.
- Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or a wooden spoon.
- Once the dough is well mixed, you can either enjoy it immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
- After chilling, enjoy as is or use a 1.5 tablespoon-size spring loaded cookie scoop to scoop out portions of the cookie dough.
Notes
- You can use any type of milk.
- You can use white, milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer.
- After chilling, enjoy as is or use a 1.5 tablespoon-size spring loaded cookie scoop to scoop out portions of the cookie dough.