Soft, golden, and studded with real apple chunks, these protein apple cookies prove that a healthier treat can still taste like a proper bake. Cottage cheese keeps every bite tender while adding a welcome protein boost, and diced sweet apples bring natural sweetness without much added sugar. They are perfect as a post-workout snack, a lunchbox treat, or an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea — and if you enjoy baking with cottage cheese, you will also love our Cottage Cheese Buns with Poppy Seed.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) soft fat-free cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 40 g (3 tbsp) butter, melted or room temperature
- 150 g (1 1/4 cups) flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1–3 tbsp coconut sugar or sweetener to taste
- 300 g (10.5 oz) sweet apples, diced
Instructions
- Mix the cottage cheese, butter, egg, baking powder, and coconut sugar. Gradually add the flour — the dough will be thick.
- Dice the apples finely and fold into the dough.
- Line a baking sheet with silicone parchment (or grease it). Spoon the dough on and bake at 180C (350F) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Tips
- Use a sweet apple variety so you can keep the added sugar on the low end — taste the dough before baking and adjust. For reliable nutrition data on your ingredients, usda.gov is a handy reference.
- Do not overmix once the flour goes in; a thick, slightly shaggy dough bakes up more tender. If you want to brush up on cookie-baking basics, the guides at allrecipes.com are a great refresher.
- Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer. Fans of high-protein bakes should also try our Protein Oat Cookies and Chocolate-Covered Cottage Cheese Bars.
Nutrition: per 100 g: 160 kcal, protein 8.5 g, fat 4.8 g, carbs 21 g.