Mediterranean Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast Cookies
Mediterranean Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast Cookies are a nourishing way to start the day without feeling heavy or overly sweet. They combine the comfort of warm cinnamon and apples with wholesome oats and protein rich cottage cheese. These cookies are soft, lightly sweet, and satisfying enough to keep you full through a busy morning. They feel like a treat but are built from simple, everyday ingredients. Perfect for meal prep, they travel well and work just as nicely with coffee as they do as a post workout snack.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 18 to 22 minutes
Total time: 35 to 40 minutes
Servings: 10 to 12 cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1 and ½ cups rolled oats
½ cup oat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
1 large egg
½ cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons oil (olive oil or neutral oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix In
1 apple, peeled if desired and finely diced
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Set aside while you prepare the dough.
Blend the Cottage Cheese
Place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. This step ensures a soft cookie texture without visible curds.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well so everything is evenly distributed.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until lightly beaten. Add the blended cottage cheese, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Fold in the Apples
Add the finely diced apple and fold it into the dough evenly. Make sure the apple pieces are small so they soften properly during baking.
Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each mound with the back of a spoon or your fingers, as these cookies do not spread much.
Bake
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges. The centers should feel firm but still soft.
Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Best Results
Use old fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats, for better texture.
Dice the apple very finely to avoid excess moisture pockets.
If the dough feels too wet, add a tablespoon of oat flour.
For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to set while cooling.
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Variations
Nutty Version: Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch.
Raisin or Cranberry: Replace half the apple with raisins or dried cranberries.
Dairy Free: Use a plant based cottage cheese alternative.
Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warmth.
Higher Protein: Stir in a tablespoon of vanilla protein powder and add a splash of milk if needed.
Q/A
Q: What are these cookies?
A: Soft breakfast style cookies made with oats, apples, cinnamon, and protein rich cottage cheese.
Q: Are these cookies sweet?
A: They are lightly sweet, relying on apples and a small amount of maple syrup.
Q: How long do they take to make?
A: About 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Yes. They are great for meal prep and stay fresh for several days.
Q: Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?
A: Yes. Blending creates a smooth texture and prevents curdled pockets.
Q: Are these cookies healthy?
A: They are made with whole grains, natural sweetness, and added protein, making them suitable for breakfast or snacks.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes. Once cooled, freeze in an airtight container and thaw as needed.
Q: Can I customize the recipe?
A: Absolutely. You can add nuts, raisins, cranberries, or extra spices.
Q: How should they be served?
A: Enjoy with coffee or tea, yogurt, or fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per cookie)
Calories: 120 to 140
Protein: 5 to 6 grams
Fat: 5 to 6 grams
Carbohydrates: 15 to 17 grams
Fiber: 2 to 3 grams
Sugar: 5 to 6 grams
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and cookie size.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast Cookies offer a balanced, feel good option for busy mornings. They bring together protein, fiber, and natural sweetness in a soft, comforting bite. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they fit seamlessly into a healthy routine. Whether eaten fresh from the oven or packed for later, they deliver steady energy without a sugar crash. Once you make a batch, these cookies are likely to become a regular part of your breakfast rotation.