Discover 4 Unique Twists in Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough for a Delicious Treat!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips optional
- ¼ cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Cottage Cheese: Add the cottage cheese and continue beating until fully combined. The dough may look slightly lumpy, but that will blend while baking.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, or any other add-ins you prefer.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Scoop & Arrange: Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and arrange on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are slightly soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Cottage cheese may add a slightly lumpy texture to the dough, but these lumps blend smoothly as the cookies bake.
- For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter in place of regular butter.
Twists and Variations:
- Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tsp poppy seeds for a bright, zesty twist.
- Double Chocolate: Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder and fold in extra chocolate chips.
- Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 cup raisins for a comforting classic flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 1/4 cup melted peanut butter, swirling it into the dough for a nutty taste.
Tips for Perfecting:
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes for a better texture.
- Avoid overmixing after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies soft.
- Bake until edges are golden, as overbaking can make cookies too crisp.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack.
Table of Contents
Starting
Who doesn’t love cookies? They’re perfect for just about any occasion from a quick snack to a decadent dessert, cookies have a way of bringing joy with every bite. But what if I told you there’s a way to elevate your favorite cookie recipe with a secret ingredient? Enter cottage cheese. Yes, you read that right! Cottage cheese cookie dough may sound unusual, but it adds moisture, softness, and a slight tang that complements the sweetness in a surprisingly delightful way. In this post, I’ll take you step-by-step through the process of making this unique cottage cheese cookie dough recipe. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried this sooner!
Preparation Time and Total Duration
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Duration: Approximately 1 hour (including chill time)
Ingredients
For a batch of 24 soft, chewy cottage cheese cookie dough, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese Check here how to make it at home
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (or more++)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are a great choice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Start by creaming the softened butter and both sugars (granulated and brown) together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. Add the cottage cheese to the butter-sugar mixture and continue to beat until fully combined. The cottage cheese may give the dough a somewhat lumpy appearance, but don’t worry these lumps will blend smoothly into the dough while baking. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until everything is smooth and well incorporated.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking them together until well blended. This allows for even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the dough. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this may lead to cookies that are tougher in texture. Using a spatula, carefully incorporate the chocolate chips and nuts (if desired) into the dough mixture. At this point, you can let your creativity shine by incorporating any additional mix-ins you like.
Step 3: Chill the Dough (Recommended)
For optimal results, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and ensures the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
If you like to taste it row, just do it now!
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone mat for easy cookie removal. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough, then arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still a bit soft. The cottage cheese helps keep the inside moist and tender. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling. This ensures optimal texture and prevents breakage.
Serving Suggestions
These cottage cheese cookies are soft and chewy, and best enjoyed warm with a cold glass of milk. However, there are plenty of creative ways to serve them. For a fun dessert idea:
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Put a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies (great with vanilla, chocolate, or fruity flavors like raspberry).
Chocolate or Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Yogurt or Smoothie Bowl Topping: Crumble the cookies over a bowl of yogurt or a smoothie bowl for a creative breakfast option.
Coffee or Tea Pairing: Serve the cookies with a cup of coffee or tea; the tanginess of the cottage cheese pairs nicely with dark roast coffee or earthy herbal tea.
Storage Recommendations
Cottage cheese cookies stay soft and delicious for a few days if stored properly.
- Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If you prefer to keep them longer, the cookies will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days. The cool temperature helps preserve the softness and flavor.
- Freezing: The cookie dough can be frozen for as long as 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can pop the frozen dough balls straight into the oven just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximately)
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
Notes
- Cottage Cheese Texture: If you’re concerned about the texture of the cottage cheese, you can blend it until smooth before adding it to the dough. This removes the curds, creating a smoother finish for the cookies.
- Butter Substitutions: For a healthier twist, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce. This will give your cookies a slightly different texture but can be a fun experiment if you’re looking to cut down on fat.
- Sugar Alternatives: If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia in place of the granulated sugar. You could also reduce the sugar by a quarter without dramatically affecting the flavor or texture.
- Add a Surprise Flavor: To give your cookies a little extra flair, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. These spices add warmth and depth to the flavor, especially in the colder months.
History and Culture
Cookies are a beloved staple in U.S. homes, cherished for their versatility and comforting qualities. Originating in 7th-century Persia, cookies have since evolved into countless global variations. Cottage cheese, with roots in ancient European cuisine, gained popularity in the U.S. during the 19th century due to its high protein content and versatility in both savory and sweet dishes. While using cottage cheese in cookies may be uncommon, it embraces the tradition of ingredient experimentation for new flavors. This recipe offers a modern twist, blending classic cookie comfort with the wholesome goodness of cottage cheese for a delightful balance of indulgence and nourishment.
Variations and Modern Twists
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cottage Cheese Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dough for a fresh and citrusy twist. The lemon brightens the flavor, while the poppy seeds add a subtle crunch.
- Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Cookies: Mix in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and fold in some white chocolate chips for a cozy, autumn-inspired variation. These cookies are perfect for fall, especially around Thanksgiving.
- Cranberry Pistachio Cottage Cheese Cookies: Dried cranberries and chopped pistachios create a colorful, festive cookie perfect for the holiday season. The tartness of the cranberries balances the sweetness of the dough, while the pistachios add a rich, nutty flavor.
- Double Chocolate Cottage Cheese Cookies: Swap out half of the flour for cocoa powder and double the chocolate chips for an extra rich and chocolatey cookie. This is a must-try for chocolate lovers, as the cottage cheese adds a creamy texture that enhances the chocolate flavor even more.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cottage Cheese Cookies
- Use Fresh Cottage Cheese: Fresh cottage cheese has a milder flavor and a creamier texture, which works best for this recipe. If your cottage cheese has been sitting in the fridge for a while, it might develop a slightly sour taste, which could affect the final product.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilled dough is easier to work with and results in cookies that spread less and maintain a soft, chewy center. It also allows the flavors to meld, giving you a richer, more developed taste.
- Don’t Overbake: Cottage Cheese cookies can dry out quickly if overbaked. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking, and pull them out when the edges are just turning golden. They will continue to bake slightly on the hot pan as they cool, so it’s better to underbake them a little rather than overbake them.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Have fun with your mix-ins! Aside from the classic chocolate chips, try adding dried fruit, nuts, coconut flakes, or even crushed pretzels for a sweet-and-salty combo.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing your cookies.
With this guide, you’ll be ready to whip up a batch of delightful cottage cheese cookies that are sure to impress!
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