Summertime baking is all about light, delicious treats that feel a little indulgent without being too heavy—and these Cottage Cheese Cookies are exactly that.
Soft, tender, and studded with rich chocolate chunks, these cookies have a secret weapon: creamy cottage cheese. It gives them an unbelievably moist texture and a subtle richness, all while sneaking in a little extra protein.
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing cookie recipe that’s a little different from your usual go-tos, Cottage Cheese Cookies are a must-bake. Trust me, no one will ever guess your secret ingredient!
🥄 Why You’ll Love These Cookies
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Soft and chewy: Perfect texture thanks to cottage cheese.
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High-protein twist: A better-for-you cookie option.
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Easy to make: Basic ingredients and simple steps.
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Summer-perfect: Light enough to enjoy on warm days.
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Crowd-pleaser: Great for bake sales, picnics, and parties.
📝 Ingredients (20 Servings)
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2 cups cottage cheese (drained if very watery)
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 large egg
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
⏱ Prep & Bake Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Yield: 20 cookies
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, cottage cheese, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in the chocolate chunks.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look soft—that’s perfect!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
🌞 Perfect for Summer Snacking
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Picnic-ready: Stack a few cookies in a container and head outdoors.
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Pool parties: Light enough to enjoy between swims.
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Easy to transport: Perfect for road trips or camping weekends.
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Versatile: Pair with lemonade, iced coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Lemon zest twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy punch.
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Nuts for crunch: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
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Gluten-free option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
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More chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for extra indulgence.
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Berries bonus: Add a handful of dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity flavor burst.
🧊 Storage & Freezing
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Fridge: Lasts up to 7 days if refrigerated.
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Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
You can also freeze the raw cookie dough balls and bake them fresh when you’re ready!
🌟 Why Cottage Cheese Makes These Cookies So Special
Cottage cheese might seem like an unusual baking ingredient, but it’s a total game-changer:
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Adds moisture without extra fat
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Boosts protein naturally
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Creates a slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweetness
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Results in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb
And don’t worry—your cookies won’t taste “cheesy” at all. They’ll just taste like some of the best cookies you’ve ever made.
🔁 More Summer Desserts You’ll Love
🗣️ Share Your Bakes!
Did you whip up a batch of Cottage Cheese Cookies?
I’d LOVE to see them! Tag @sarahsseasonaltreats on Instagram and use #CottageCheeseCookies to join our community of creative bakers.
Don’t forget to show off your favorite add-ins and fun cookie stack pics! 🍪📸