Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

Name: Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup butter (softened); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Cottage cheese cookie dough is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional cookie dough. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also adds protein and calcium to your diet. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delectable treat!

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe yields approximately 12 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 10-12 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 90
– Protein: 3g
– Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 10g
– Fiber: 1g
This nutritional information is based on one cookie.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, and softened butter.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
If using, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. Additionally, use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for a healthier option. For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Serving and Pairings

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced snack.

Storage and Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Cooking Mistakes

Using too much flour can make cookies dry; measure accurately.
Not preheating the oven can result in uneven baking.
Overmixing can make the cookies tough; mix just until combined.
Underbaking will lead to doughy cookies; ensure they are set at the edges.
Using cold butter instead of softened can affect texture.

Helpful Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts or dried fruits.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for variation.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based yogurt instead of cottage cheese. These substitutions will maintain the cookie’s texture while keeping it vegan-friendly.

How can I make these cookies healthier?

To make these cookies healthier, you can reduce the sugar content, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and add oats for extra fiber. You can also incorporate more fruits like mashed bananas or applesauce.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

You can make them gluten-free by replacing all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How long do these cookies last?

These cookies can last up to 3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If frozen, they can last up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Cottage cheese cookie dough offers a unique and nutritious twist on traditional cookies. With their soft texture and delicious flavor, they make for a perfect snack or dessert. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking something healthy without compromising on taste!