Description
Soft, chewy, and gooey cookie bars made with blended cottage cheese for a high-protein twist on a classic treat. These bars are easy to make in one bowl and offer a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese (full-fat or 2%, blended until smooth)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (55g) melted butter, cooled slightly
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (85g) white chocolate chips (optional)
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Blend the cottage cheese in a high-speed blender or food processor until completely smooth with no visible curds. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir the smooth cottage cheese into the wet ingredients.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful for topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until edges are golden brown but the center still looks slightly soft and underdone.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes to firm up before cutting into squares.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired before serving.
Notes
Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly to ensure a smooth texture. Do not overbake; the bars will continue to cook in the hot pan after removal. For cleanest cuts, chill the bars in the fridge for an hour before slicing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: cottage cheese cookies, high protein dessert, chewy cookie bars, healthy baking, one bowl dessert, chocolate chip bars