Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough: Walnut Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD

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If you’ve ever found yourself craving cookie dough but wishing for a healthier option, you’re in for a treat! Cottage cheese cookie dough is the perfect combination of indulgence and nutrition. That’s my sweet spot as a registered dietitian who also wants tasty food, including desserts. 

This easy, no-bake recipe is packed with protein, lower in sugar than traditional cookie dough, and incredibly satisfying. I mean, the flavor is a dead match for cookie dough! 

It’s an ideal choice when you’re looking for something sweet that supports your wellbeing, and since it takes barely 10 minutes to whip up, it’s a great choice when you’re balancing a hectic schedule. This recipe delivers all the deliciousness plus lots of nutritional perks. Here’s everything you need to know to create the perfect cottage cheese cookie dough at home. 

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Reasons to Love Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

• Protein-packed: Thanks to cottage cheese, this cookie dough offers a protein boost that helps keep you full and satisfied. My favorite cottage cheese is Good Culture Cottage Cheese because it has an additional perk: live and active cultures that support a healthy gut. They also have a lactose free version!
• Filled with fiber: The combination of oat flour and almond flour adds some fiber, not to mention other essential nutrients like magnesium. These are MUCH more nutritious flours than typical all purpose flour.
• Lower in sugar: Maple syrup has antioxidants, so it’s a better-for-you option compared to many other sweeteners.
• Edible and safe: This is probably the best part! Since this cottage cheese cookie dough doesn’t contain raw eggs or traditional flour, it’s completely safe to eat by the spoonful. (Not gonna lie, this is what my boy and I did!)

What Makes Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Healthy

Cottage cheese cookie dough checks so many boxes for a balanced and nutritious snack:

• Protein and Fiber Combo: A blend of protein-packed cottage cheese and fiber-rich flours provides steady energy and helps curb sugar and carb cravings.
• Nutritious Flours: Oat flour and almond flour offer more nutrients than standard all-purpose flour, including healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• Healthier Sweetener: Maple syrup not only adds a touch of sweetness but also contains some antioxidants, making it a better choice than refined sugars. (Learn more about the difference between natural sugar vs. refined sugar here.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy recipe:

• Low-fat cottage cheese:  I used Good Culture; 4% whole milk cottage cheese works, too, but the cookie dough will be higher in saturated fat.
• Maple syrup: I love the flavor of maple syrup,p and since it’s a liquid sweetener, it keeps the dough moist and chewy. 

• Vanilla extract: This flavor enhancer ties everything together. It gives dessert vibes, even though it has no sweeteners. 

• Almond flour: It’s naturally grain- and gluten-free and packed with nutrients. Plus, it has a naturally sweet, slightly nutty (but not overwhelming) flavor, which enhances the cottage cheese cookie dough. 

• Oat flour: This is a gluten-free whole grain with numerous nutritional benefits. It also provides a sweet, toasty, cereal-type flavor that works well with the almond flour and really brings the cookie dough vibes.

• • Chocolate chips: I used GHIRARDELLI Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, but feel free to use what you have. mini chocolate chips would also work great! Feel free to substitute a dairy-free chocolate chip if needed. I used these Enjoy Life Semi Sweet Chocolate Mini Chips when my boy had a milk allergy and they’re my all-time fave! You could also use a white chocolate chip (such as GHIRARDELLI Classic White Chip) or a dark chocolate chip (GHIRARDELLI 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chip)

• Toasted walnuts: I always toast my walnuts because it makes them a little sweeter and less bitter. IYKYK! 

• Organic PB Fit protein powder: This is my go-to powdered peanut butter, but others should work, too.

• Pinch of salt

• Splash of milk (dairy or plant-based): I used this to reconstitute the PB Fit protein powder, but you can also use it (or a splash of water) if you need to thin the mixture.

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, oat flour, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
2. Blend wet ingredients: Using an immersion blender, blender, or food processor, blend the cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined. 
4. Separate batter: Separate ½ cup of the batter to use in the peanut butter chocolate chip variation.
   • For the peanut butter chocolate chip variation: Mix PB Fit protein powder with a splash of milk and stir it into ½ cup of the batter. Add some chocolate chips and mix thoroughly.
   • For the walnut chocolate chip variation: Add the remaining chocolate chips and crushed walnuts to the remaining portion of the batter and mix until evenly combined.
5. Enjoy or store: Transfer the cookie dough to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Serve as a snack, dessert, or any time treat.

Equipment

• Hand blender (or blender/food processor). I used my favorite Breville Immersion Blender, which I’ve had for 6 years and have found very useful. It’s easier to clean than other blenders, so it’s perfect for those of us who want to spend less time cleaning (and who doesn’t??) 
• Mixing bowls. I use my trusty Pyrex glass mixing bowls because they go in the microwave (when needed) and the dishwasher (always needed!). 
• Measuring cups and spoons. I’m not picky here, except when pouring liquids. Then I ALWAYS use my OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set. Trust me on this!
• Rubber spatula. I used one from a silicone set like Walfos Silicone Spatula Set of 5. 

How to Store Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

Keep your cookie dough fresh by transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Note that I didn’t try freezing it, and I don’t recommend doing this as it can alter the texture. I also think you’d get a brick that would take a while to thaw. If you’re worried about leftovers, I’d suggest making half the batter instead. 

Tips and Tricks

• Choose the right cottage cheese: Opt for 2% cottage cheese to balance creaminess with lower saturated fat. Check labels for unnecessary additives.
• Use mini chocolate chips: Use these for better distribution, so you can use less while still enjoying chocolate in every bite. I didn’t have them on hand, but will definitely be doing this next time. 
• Adjust the consistency: Add splashes of milk or water if the batter feels too thick. I didn’t need to do this, but you can if the batter feels too thick to you. 
• Boost the protein with protein powder: If you want even more protein, feel free to make your cookie dough with protein powder. You can use less flour if you’re making cottage cheese cookie dough with protein powder. (Not sure which protein powder to buy? Check out my 11 Best Protein Powders without Artificial Sweeteners recs.

Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Variations

• You can swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or a combination. Next time, I may go with a mix!
• Replace walnuts with pecans or another favorite nut. Again, you can mix the nuts if you’d like. 
• Add a fun twist with mini M&Ms or chopped candy. I think chopped Heath Miniatures Candy Bars would be delicious here. You can also swap out the chocolate chips for JUSTIN’S Organic Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, which would be especially tasty in the peanut butter variety of cottage cheese cookie dough.
• Make it chocolatey by mixing in cocoa or cacao powder.
• Use almond or cashew butter instead of PB Fit protein powder.
• Make your cookie dough with protein powder by using a chocolate or vanilla protein powder in the base recipe instead of the PB Fit protein powder.  Check out my list of the 11 Best Protein Powders without Artificial Sweeteners.

Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough FAQs

Are they gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe uses almond flour and oat flour, which are naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check that your oat flour is certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I use an alternative flour?

You can use only almond flour if you’d like, but other flours may not yield the same results. I like the blend of oat and almond flour because the oat flour has a cereal-ish flavor that complements the almond flour and creates the perfect cookie dough flavor.

Can I use oats instead of oat flour?

Absolutely! Just blend oats in the blender to create a flour consistency. Use gluten-free oats if needed.

Can you taste the cottage cheese?

Surprisingly, no! The cottage cheese blends into the dough, leaving you with a creamy texture and no noticeable tang.

What if I want more protein?

You can make your cookie dough with protein powder to increase the protein content further. Be sure to check out my favorites to make sure your protein powder has no unwanted ingredients. 11 Best Protein Powders without Artificial Sweeteners

Can I use full-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, but it will increase the saturated fat content. If you have healthy cholesterol levels and eat a balanced diet, full-fat cottage cheese may be ok for you, but it comes down to a personal choice.

Can you freeze the leftover batter?

Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture. If you’re concerned about leftovers, consider making half the recipe.

Additional Recipes and Resources

Before you go, check out these other articles and recipes that I hand-picked for you!

• Try my Low Sugar Tomato Soup with Pasta, which has a sneaky 24 grams of protein and 19 grams of fiber!
• If you like a sweeter breakfast in the morning, but still want to keep things healthy and high protein, you should make my Easy Make Ahead High Protein Baked Oat Breakfast. Each serving supplies a hefty 20 grams of protein to get your day off to the right start.
• My product recommendations are appropriate for managing blood sugar levels, whether you have diabetes, prediabetes, or just looking to support good health by choosing a lower-sugar lifestyle. Try one of the top 27 Best Snacks for Diabetics, which has crunchy, creamy, and sweet snacks–there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Before You Go

If you’d like to chat about my nutrition coaching program, please get in touch! You can schedule a free call so we can get to know each other better. I love helping busy women feel better in their bodies and clothes, develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies, indulge their cravings in healthier ways, and stop fretting about food!