TBH, it took me awhile to jump on the cottage cheese bandwagon. Like, cottage cheese cookie dough, REALLY though?!

But as my protein needs have increased throughout my third trimester of pregnancy, I kept coming back to this viral TikTok trend, thinking it sounded like a really creative (and perhaps tasty?) way to sneak in an additional 20-30g of protein per day. 

So, I eventually caved, and truly it’s been one of my fave treats as of late. It’s incredibly easy to make, tastes super delicious (the texture is creamy and satisfying), is naturally low in sugar and high in protein and healthy fats. BONUS, my kids love it too. 

There’s a ton of variations floating around on the internet, but read below for my fave OG recipe, flavor combinations, hormone healthy tips and more!

Looking for more high protein, hormone-healthy recipes + treats? Check out my go-to recipe guide.

 

WHAT EXACTLY IS COTTAGE CHEESE COOKIE DOUGH?

First things first, you might be wondering, what the HECK is cottage cheese cookie dough? The original recipe was created by Jake Cohen and went viral on TikTok for it’s similarity to edible cookie dough, with the main differentiator being the additional of cottage cheese. According to most, the taste is virtually undetectable, but the cottage cheese adds a whopping 80 grams of protein to the recipe.  

TYPICAL INGREDIENTS IN COTTAGE CHEESE COOKIE DOUGH

While there are multiple variations floating around on the internet (and personally I think mine tastes the best :)) typical ingredients in high protein cottage cheese cookie dough include:

+ Cottage Cheese

I mean, pretty obvious, but this ingredient is the star of the show! The taste is pretty much undetectable but it still lends a creamy, super satisfying texture, not to mention 80g of protein to this recipe. This is by far my fave organic, clean brand. 

+ Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness without any refined sugar. 

+ Pure Vanilla Extract

Pure vanilla extract is key for any cookie or cookie dough recipe, as it adds that sweet, vanilla-like flavor. 

+ Peanut Butter

I’ve seen plenty of variations both with and without peanut butter, but I personally think the peanut butter only adds to the taste and texture (not to mention sneaks in more hormone healthy fats!) Just make sure you’re using a brand without any added inflammatory oils like this one. 

+ Almond Flour

The almond flour in this recipe works to thicken the batter to a dough like consistency, while adding an additional 48g of protein to this recipe. The key is to make sure you use blanched almond flour, which keeps the texture from becoming gritty or mealy. 

+ Protein Powder

Another thickening agent that also works to up the protein factor (depending on the brand about 40g) and can influence the taste (I like using a vanilla flavor). 

+ Dark Chocolate Chips 

Dark chocolate chips are a must for this cookie dough recipe (unless you use one of my other recommended flavor combos, see below). This is by far my fave clean, refined sugar-free brand (use code LAUREN to save 15% off your order). 

WHAT MAKES THIS COTTAGE CHEESE COOKIE DOUGH HIGH PROTEIN?

This recipe gets its high protein factor due to the cottage cheese (80g of protein per 16 oz/2 cups), almond flour (48g protein per 16 oz/2 cups) and protein powder (40-80g protein, depending on brand/serving size). When breaking it down into a serving size (about 1/4-1/2 cup) it equates to about 20-30g of protein per serving, an ideal amount for a protein-rich snack or meal. 

IS COTTAGE CHEESE COOKIE DOUGH HORMONE HEALTHY?

This is a loaded question, as there are many factors that influence the state of our hormones, but overall I do believe it’s a great alternate way to satisfy your sweet tooth as the ingredients are, for the most part clean, minimally processed and rich in macronutrients (protein, fat and fiber) our hormones need to function optimally. It’s also very blood sugar friendly due to the quality protein and fat content, and blood sugar balance is KEY for hormone balance. 

All of that being said, if you’re someone who doesn’t digest dairy well or has a dairy sensitivity, allergy or other gut health issue, this could worsen inflammation, thereby negatively impacting hormones, in which case I’d recommend forgoing this trend (if sensitive to lactose only, you could also try a lactose-free cottage cheese). 

WHY IS PROTEIN IMPORTANT FOR HORMONE BALANCE?

Protein is an essential structural component of ALL hormones, which means you have to consume sufficient protein to make enough hormones. Studies have shown most women need a bare minimum of 70-100g of protein per day, or at least 20g-30g per meal.

 

HOW TO MAKE COTTAGE CHEESE COOKIE DOUGH

The key to making cottage cheese cookie dough is to first blend together the wet ingredients (cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, etc.) which creates a creamy base (without any curds), then stir in the dry ingredients (almond flour, protein powder, chocolate chips) etc. to thicken the batter to a cookie dough like consistency. 

COTTAGE CHEESE COOKIE DOUGH ADD-IN’S OR SUBSTITUTIONS

+ Cashew or Almond Butter 

If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can try substituting for creamy cashew or almond butter, or leave out altogether!

+ Honey

You can swap the maple syrup for honey to obtain the same level of sweetness without any refined sugar. 

+ Sea Salt 

I literally add sea salt to everything, as it adds a nice little dose of hormone healthy minerals and flavor. 1/4 – 1/2 tsp works well for this recipe, plus more flaky sea salt on top if you prefer. 

+ Coconut or Cassava Flour

If you’re not a fan of almond flour, you can try substituting for another nutrient-dense, grain-free flour like coconut or cassava, just note this will slightly affect the taste, texture and protein amount. 

+ Collagen Powder

Feel free to swap the protein powder for collagen powder, or leave out altogether! Just note this will change the total protein amount as well. 

 

COTTAGE CHEESE COOKIE DOUGH FLAVOR VARIATIONS

+ Peanut Butter Cup Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

This one is sooooo good! Just substitute the chocolate chips for one cup of chopped dark chocolate mini peanut butter cups. I like this brand. 

+ Oreo Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

Another seriously delicious option, try making my paleo Oreo cookie crumbles and substituting a cup for the dark chocolate chips in the recipe. 

+ M&M Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

You can also swap the dark chocolate chips for m&m’s. I prefer this cleaner brand made with dark chocolate. 

+ S’mores Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

A perfect combo for summer, sprinkle in an additional 1/2 cup mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup crushed, gluten-free graham crackers. 

 

HOW TO EAT COTTAGE CHEESE COOKIE DOUGH

+ In A Bowl, With A Spoon

My go-to, I like to scoop a (large, lol) serving into a bowl and eat it straight with a spoon. So good!

+ As Cookie Dough Balls

You can also use an ice cream scooper to scoop into individual sized balls (I highly recommend this if freezing). Try drizzling or coating with more melted dark chocolate and sea salt!

+ As A Sundae

If you want to get really extra, you can scoop the cottage cheese cookie dough into a bowl and top with melted dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, or even a little whipped cream. 

+ As A Parfait

Layer some cookie dough with greek or coconut yogurt and top with fresh berries, sliced banana and nut butter as a super decadent, high protein snack or breakfast. 

+ As A Blizzard or Smoothie Bowl Topper

While my OG cookie dough blizzard recipe is dairy-free, you could swirl this cookie dough in as a high protein alternative, or use it as a smoothie bowl topper (it’d be especially good on this one). 

+ As A High Protein Dip 

You can thin the cookie dough out with a little almond milk (or other milk of choice) and use it as a sweet yet high protein dip for sliced fruit and graham crackers. 

COTTAGE CHEESE COOKIE DOUGH FAQ’s

+ Can you taste the cottage cheese?

While many people say no, I do think it adds the tiniest “cheesecake” like flavor, but in a really delicious way. Also, because you’re blending the cottage cheese, the texture is completely smooth, unlike typical cottage cheese with curds. 

+ How many grams of protein are in a serving of cottage cheese cookie dough? 

Depending on the serving size and brand of protein powder you use, about 1/4 -1/2 cup serving of cottage cheese cookie dough can range anywhere between 20-30g of protein. 

+ What brand of cottage cheese do you recommend?

I am a huge fan of this cottage cheese brand, which is creamy, delicious, organic and very high quality. I always opt for the full-fat (or whole milk), unsweetened option. 

+ How do you store cottage cheese cookie dough?

You can store cottage cheese cookie dough in either an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If storing in the freezer I highly recommend doing it in individual sized portions (either scooping into balls or small ramekins/jars) as it will be really difficult to defrost a single serving size otherwise. 

+ How long does cottage cheese cookie dough last?

It typically stays fresh about 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. 

+ Is cottage cheese cookie dough good for kids?

While every kids’ preferences may be different, from personal experience my kids LOVE this recipe, and I love serving it to them as a high protein dessert option that won’t spike their blood sugar. 

+ What if my cookie dough texture is too liquidy?

If your cookie dough consistency is too soft or liquidy, try stirring in more almond flour to thicken. Also make sure you’re only blending the wet ingredients, then stirring in the dry ingredients after. 

MORE HEALTHY, HIGH PROTEIN DESSERT + TREAT RECIPES

+ Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Fudge

+ Gut-Friendly Oreo Cookie Blizzard

+ Healthy Butterfinger Bars

 

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