Cottage Cheese Brownie Protein Bites (Printable Recipe)

Creamy chocolate protein bites with cottage cheese, cocoa powder, and natural sweeteners. No baking required!

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
02 - 2 tbsp honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice
03 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
04 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - 1 scoop protein powder (optional, chocolate or vanilla)

→ Optional Mix-Ins

06 - 2 tbsp chopped nuts or seeds
07 - Handful of mini chocolate chips (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Scoop 1 cup of cottage cheese into a blender. Add 2 tablespoons of honey or chosen sweetener and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth with no cottage cheese lumps remaining.
02 - Transfer the blended mixture to a mixing bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. If using protein powder, whisk in 1 scoop. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a thick brownie batter consistency.
03 - Fold in 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts or seeds. For extra indulgence, sprinkle in a handful of mini chocolate chips and gently incorporate.
04 - Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the batter. Roll each portion between your palms into 1-inch balls. Place formed bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm, or freeze for 30 minutes for faster setting. Once set, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Cottage cheese provides approximately 14g of protein per half cup, making these bites naturally high in protein.
02 - If batter seems too runny, add more cocoa powder or protein powder to thicken. If too dry, add a splash of almond milk.
03 - Taste test the mixture before chilling to adjust sweetness, as it's easier to add more sweetener than remove it.
04 - For enhanced chocolate depth, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the mixture.
05 - Freeze extra bites in a ziplock bag for up to 2 to 3 weeks for convenient grab and go snacks.
06 - Thaw frozen bites at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before eating for optimal texture.
07 - Roll bites in shredded coconut or crushed nuts before chilling for an elevated presentation.
08 - Greek yogurt can substitute for cottage cheese but results in tangier, less creamy bites.
09 - For vegan version, substitute cottage cheese with plant-based alternatives like vegan ricotta or blended silken tofu.
10 - Add 2 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter for a peanut butter chocolate variation.
11 - Mix in 1 to 2 drops of peppermint extract for mint chocolate flavored bites.
12 - Blend 1/4 cup frozen raspberries with cottage cheese for a berry chocolate variation.

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