Here’s a Cottage Cheese Cookie recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for best texture and flavor)
• 1/4 cup almond flour (or coconut flour for a different texture)
• 1/4 cup sweetener (erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia, depending on your preference)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate or sugar-free chocolate chips (optional, for a chocolatey twist)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. The cottage cheese will give the dough a creamy, slightly lumpy texture, which will work perfectly for creating a soft, chewy cookie.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk the dry ingredients together until well mixed. If you’re using coconut flour, you may need to adjust the amount to achieve the right consistency. Coconut flour absorbs more liquid, so you might need a little more butter or egg to balance the dough.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing. Stir until the dough is smooth and thick. If the dough feels too wet, you can add a little more almond flour, but it should still be somewhat sticky.

5. Add the Chocolate (Optional):

If you want to add a touch of chocolate to your cookies, fold in the chopped dark chocolate or sugar-free chocolate chips at this stage. This step is optional, but it gives the cookies a rich, decadent flavor.

6. Shape the Cookies:

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon to help them spread evenly as they bake. These cookies will not spread much on their own, so flattening them is key to achieving a uniform cookie shape.

7. Bake:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. The center may still be soft when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool.

8. Cool and Serve:

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape.

Tips for Success:

• Texture Adjustments: If you prefer a firmer cookie, you can chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the fats and results in a slightly firmer texture.
• Sweetener Variations: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Depending on the sweetener you use, you may need to experiment with the amount. For example, stevia is much sweeter than erythritol, so start with less and taste as you go.
• Storage: These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Protein-Packed: Cottage cheese is rich in casein protein, making these cookies a great post-workout snack or high-protein treat.
• Low-Carb Option: By using almond flour instead of regular flour, these cookies are much lower in carbs than traditional cookies, making them suitable for those on low-carb, keto, or even carnivore-adjacent diets.

These Cottage Cheese Cookies are an indulgent yet nutritious treat. With a soft, chewy texture and the option for added chocolate, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your dietary goals. Enjoy!