01 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease any exposed pan sides. This readies your pan for the Fudgy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Brownies.
02 -
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine 1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese until completely smooth and no curds remain. This step is crucial for the creamy, undetectable texture of the cottage cheese in your Fudgy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Brownies. Set aside.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Whisk in 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup granulated erythritol (or monk fruit sweetener blend), and 1 tsp espresso powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the rich, fudgy foundation.
04 -
To the cocoa mixture, add the blended 1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the entire mixture is fully incorporated and smooth, ensuring no streaks remain.
05 -
Gently fold in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp fine sea salt until just combined. Stir in 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix the batter for the best Fudgy High-Protein Cottage Cheese Brownies.
06 -
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
07 -
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. This is crucial for achieving that perfect fudgy texture. Slice into 12 squares and serve.