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Honestly, before this recipe – I did NOT like cottage cheese. And trust me, I really wanted to love it. It’s a great source of protein, nutrients, calcium, etc. but I just could not see past the texture. Which is why in the first step of this healthy cottage cheese cookie dough recipe we blend the cottage cheese with maple syrup until it’s completely smooth. What you’re left with is a silky smooth, ultra creamy, high-protein cookie dough that tastes nothing like cottage cheese! All that to say, if you’re like me and convinced you don’t like cottage cheese… you might want to give this recipe a try, I’m sure it’ll change your mind. 😉

And for more cookie dough recipes, you have to try my 4-Ingredient Healthy Cookie Dough Bark, Cookie Dough Protein Balls, and Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt Bites next!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High-Protein & Satisfying: Packed with protein from cottage cheese and protein powder, this treat keeps you full and energized.​
  • Quick & Easy: No baking required – just blend, mix, and enjoy!​
  • Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, nutritious ingredients for a healthier treat.​
overhead image of chocolate chip cottage cheese cookie dough in a dish with a spoon.

What Makes This Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Healthy?

This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional cookie dough, thanks to its high protein content and use of natural sweeteners. Cottage cheese provides a creamy texture and a good source of protein, while maple syrup offers a natural sweetness without refined sugars. Almond flour adds healthy fats and fiber, making this treat both delicious and nourishing.​

Recipe Substitutions

  • Almond Flour: Swap with oat flour or coconut flour for a nut-free or different flavor profile.​
  • Maple Syrup: Use honey or agave nectar as alternative natural sweeteners.​
  • Chocolate Chips: Replace with cacao nibs or dairy-free chocolate chips to suit your dietary needs!​
cottage cheese cookie dough in a small cup with a spoon.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Nut-Free: Use oat flour instead of almond flour and ensure chocolate chips are nut-free.​
  • Dairy-Free: Opt for a plant-based yogurt instead of cottage cheese and use dairy-free chocolate chips.​
  • Keto-Friendly: Use sugar-free maple syrup alternatives and low-carb chocolate chips, and consider coconut flour as a low-carb flour option!
overhead image of cottage cheese cookie dough in a small dish.
5 from 3 votes

5-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

This cottage cheese cookie dough recipe is a high-protein, no-bake treat made with just six wholesome ingredients! Blending cottage cheese with maple syrup and vanilla creates a creamy base, which is then combined with almond flour, vanilla protein powder, and chocolate chips for a delicious, edible cookie dough. It's an easy, healthy snack that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your health on track!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 small bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Add the cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.
  • Transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a bowl and mix in the almond flour and vanilla protein powder, then fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 12.5g | Fat: 15g | Sugar: 14g

Believe it or not, this recipe was my sister’s idea! She actually suggested it over a year ago and at the time, I already had so many cookie recipes on the blog – almond flour chocolate chip cookies, healthy cookie dough bark, and gluten-free edible cookie dough – I sorta just put it on the back burner. Well, fast forward to a few weeks ago when her idea popped back into my head and I was like… ya, a healthy cookie skillet sounds SO good right about now. So I ran to my kitchen and got to work!

I knew my cookie skillet had to be three things – gluten-free, healthier than the rest, and DELICIOUS. And let me tell ya, this recipe checks every one of those boxes! Made with almond flour, coconut oil, and a dash of maple syrup, it’s surprisingly healthy but just as good as any other cookie recipe. It’s also super easy to make in just one bowl with 8 simple ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cookie Skillet

  • Simple & Delicious: This gooey, chocolatey cookie skillet is made in just one bowl with 8 simple ingredients.
  • Healthier Than Traditional Cookies: Made with almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup, this recipe is gluten-free, paleo, and naturally sweetened.
  • Diet-Friendly & Versatile: Easy to customize for nut-free, keto, or vegan diets with simple ingredient swaps.

Recipe Substitutions & Variations

Flour Alternatives:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Swap the almond flour for an equal amount of all-purpose flour if you’re not concerned about gluten-free or paleo.
  • Coconut Flour: Use 1/4 cup coconut flour in place of the almond flour for a lower-carb version.

Nut Butter Swaps:

  • Use peanut butter for a classic flavor or cashew butter for extra creaminess.
  • For nut-free, opt for sunflower seed butter.

Mix-In Ideas:

  • Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for added crunch.
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
  • Flaky sea salt sprinkled on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
Overhead close up image of healthy cookie skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

What Makes This Recipe Healthy?

  • Gluten-Free & Paleo: Made with almond flour and coconut oil, this skillet cookie is grain-free and dairy-free.
  • Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup is used instead of refined sugar, making it a healthier dessert option.
  • Wholesome Fats & Protein: Almond butter and coconut oil provide healthy fats, while the egg adds protein.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make It Nut-Free: Swap almond butter with sunflower seed butter and use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour.

Make It Keto: Replace maple syrup with monk fruit syrup or another keto-friendly sweetener and use sugar-free chocolate chips.

Make It Vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg and choose dairy-free chocolate chips.

Close up image of healthy cookie skillet with a spoon.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or reheat in the microwave before serving.

More Healthy Desserts You’ll Love

overhead image of healthy gluten-free cookie skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
No ratings yet

Healthy Gluten-Free Cookie Skillet

Treat yourself to this healthy cookie skillet made with almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup! It’s gluten-free, paleo, and naturally sweetened, making it a wholesome choice for any sweet tooth. Plus, it comes together in one bowl with just 8 simple ingredients!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 8-inch skillet

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened creamy almond butter or any nut/seed butter
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 egg at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and lightly grease an 8-inch skillet.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the almond butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract.
  • Add in the almond flour and baking soda, then mix until the batter is completely combined.
  • Stir in the chocolate chips, then transfer the batter to your greased skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until just set in the center, then remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 28g | Sugar: 11g

I love baking with almond flour! It’s this incredible ingredient that create beautiful structure and texture in gluten-free baked goods. I recently revisited my almond flour brownies recipe (OMG so good!) and used almond flour as the base in my healthy gluten-free twix bars recipe. And because I also recently stocked up on almond flour (hello, 4 pound bag of almond flour from Amazon!) I set out to create another delicious dessert recipe where almond flour was the star.

These almond flour double chocolate cookies took me just one try to perfect! I had my dad (the biggest gluten-free skeptic) try these cookies and even he LOVED them. He actually has no clue they’re gluten-free, and I’m sure he’d be absolutely shocked to find out they’re made with almond flour. They’re chewy and fudgy, perfectly sweet, and truly just as delicious as any other cookie recipe – you’ll never guess they’re gluten-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • These cookies have a rich, chocolatey flavor with a soft, chewy texture.
  • They’re gluten-free and grain-free, using almond flour for a nutrient-packed base.
  • This recipe is quick and easy to make with minimal cleanup – just one bowl!
an almond flour chocolate cookie split in half.

What You’ll Need to Make Almond Flour Chocolate Cookies

  • Butter & Coconut Oil – Adds moisture and richness, giving the cookies a tender crumb and delicious buttery flavor. Coconut oil enhances texture while adding a slight nuttiness.
  • Brown Sugar & Cane Sugar – Brown sugar provides moisture and chewiness, while cane sugar adds a touch of crispness and sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and depth to the cookies.
  • Egg – Binds the ingredients and creates structure, helping the cookies rise and hold their shape.
  • Almond Flour – The star ingredient! Provides a gluten-free, grain-free base that’s rich in healthy fats and nutrients. I buy my almond flour in bulk on Amazon!
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds a deep, chocolatey flavor to the cookies.
  • Baking Soda & Salt – Helps the cookies rise while balancing the sweetness.
  • Chocolate Chips – Brings bursts of chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Almond Flour Chocolate Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, coconut oil, brown sugar, and cane sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until fully combined.
  4. Stir in almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips. Scoop 2-tablespoon balls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your palm.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
almond flour chocolate cookie with a bite taken out.

Topping & Mix-In Options

  • Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty twist.
  • Swap out chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate for variety.
  • Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular flour?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will change. Regular flour won’t provide the same rich, nutty flavor or gluten-free benefits as almond flour.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for plant-based butter or additional coconut oil.

Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) as an egg replacement and dairy-free butter.

Can I use coconut sugar to make these refined sugar-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut sugar for both brown and cane sugar to keep the recipe refined sugar-free.

almond flour chocolate cookies on parchment paper.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overmix the dough – just stir until combined to avoid dense cookies!
  • Let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent them from getting soggy.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
almond flour chocolate cookies on top of each other of a baking sheet.
5 from 1 vote

Almond Flour Chocolate Cookies

These almond flour chocolate cookies are rich, indulgent, and easy to make with just one bowl. They're gluten-free and grain-free, but just as delicious as any other cookie. These are the perfect treat for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 16 cookies

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 hand or stand mixer
  • 1 large baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted (or an additional 2 tablespoons of butter)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup cane sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg at room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips I used extra dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the butter, coconut oil, brown sugar, and cane sugar with either a hand or stand mixer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Once the butter mixture is light and fluffy, add in the vanilla extract and egg, and beat again until combined.
  • Add in the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, this time stirring with a spatula or large spoon until the dough is just combined.
  • Fold the chocolate chips into the batter, then scoop 2 tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Place each cookie about 2-3 inched apart, and slightly flatten each cookie with the palm of your hand.
    almond-flour-chocolate-cookies-step-3
  • Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, then let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
    almond-flour-chocolate-cookies-step-4

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 18g | Sugar: 16g

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

  • Easy & Quick – No fancy ingredients or equipment needed!
  • Naturally Sweetened – Maple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free – Made with wholesome, allergy-friendly ingredients.
  • Customizable – Swap the chocolate chips for raisins, nuts, or coconut flakes!

What You’ll Need to Make Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

Rolled Oats – The base of these cookies, providing fiber and a chewy texture.

Oat Flour – Helps bind the cookies together while keeping them light. You can easily make your own by blending rolled oats into a fine flour in either a high-speed blender or a food processor.

Baking Powder – Adds just the right amount of lift, making these cookies soft and fluffy.

Coconut Oil – A healthier fat alternative that keeps the cookies moist and tender.

Maple Syrup – A natural sweetener that adds a rich caramel-like flavor without refined sugar.

Egg – Helps bind everything together for the perfect cookie texture.

Chocolate Chips (Optional, but Recommended!) – Dark chocolate chips add a delicious, melty bite to these cookies. I use and love Hu Kitchen refined sugar-free chocolate chips in many of my baking recipes!

5 ingredient healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on a baking sheet.

How to Make Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients (oats, oat flour, and baking powder) in a large bowl.
  3. Stir in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and egg until a dough forms.
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips, then scoop out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
  6. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Mix-In Options

  • Swap chocolate chips for raisins or dried cranberries.
  • Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds).
  • Sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
  • Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Make Your Own Oat Flour – Simply blend rolled oats in a food processor until fine.
  • Use a Cookie Scoop – For evenly sized cookies that bake perfectly every time.
  • Let Them Cool – They’ll firm up as they cool, so be patient before digging in!

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezee: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

a stack of 5 ingredient healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
5 from 2 votes

5-Ingredient Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

These healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and made with just 5 simple ingredients! They’re naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making them the perfect guilt-free treat. Plus, they come together in under 20 minutes – no mixer required!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup oat flour rolled oats ground into a flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 1 egg at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix together the rolled oats, oat flour, and baking powder in a large bowl.
  • Add in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and egg then mix together until fully combined.
  • Mix the chocolate chips into the cookie dough (if using), then scoop the cookies out onto your prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the outside edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before storing or serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Sugar: 6g

Since my last cookie dough bark recipe went viral, I’m back with a protein version! This protein cookie dough bark is just as delicious, but with an additional 8 grams of protein per serving. I love making a batch at the beginning of the week to snack on all week long. But if you’re in need of a sweet treat with even more protein, give my single serve protein cookie a try (with 30 grams of protein). What can I say? I just really love a high-protein, gluten free, and low sugar snack!

protein cookie dough bark pieces stacked on top of each other.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

  • Almond Flour: Acts as a gluten-free and low-carb base. I buy almond flour in bulk on Amazon, since I use it in so many of my healthy gluten-free recipes!
  • Vanilla Protein Powder: Boosts the protein content, making this a nutritious snack option. I used the Be Well By Kelly Vanilla Protein Powder, but your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder will work. Or, feel free to swap out the protein powder for unflavored collaged – I like this brand!
  • Coconut Oil: Helps bind the dough while adding healthy fats. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use melted butter in its place.
  • Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness, complementing the protein powder and chocolate chips!
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds sweetness and richness—both mixed into the dough and melted on top for the bark. I use and love the Guittard Dairy-Free Extra Dark Chocolate Chips in all of my recipes!

Is This Cookie Dough Bark Safe to Eat?

Yes! Since it’s made without raw eggs or raw flour, this cookie dough bark is safe to eat right out of the freezer. The protein powder and almond flour create a safe, edible base.

Storage Tips

Keep the bark in an airtight container in the freezer. It stays fresh for up to two months… but there’s no way it’ll last that long! To enjoy, let it thaw for a minute or two at room temperature before serving.

protein cookie dough bark on a baking sheet.

Switch Up The Flavors of This Protein Cookie Dough Bark

Get creative by changing the flavor combinations:

  • Swap out the vanilla protein powder for chocolate or peanut butter protein.
  • Add chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the mixture for extra texture and nutrients.
  • Drizzle peanut butter or caramel over the bark before freezing.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Make it Vegan: Use a plant-based protein powder and dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Make it Low Carb: Replace maple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup, and opt for sugar-free chocolate chips.
  • Make it Nut-Free: Swap the almond flour for coconut flour to make this a nut-free cookie dough bark recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a high-protein, low-sugar, gluten-free treat. It’s made with just 5 simple ingredients and can easily be adjusted to meet various dietary needs. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy cookie dough in a healthier, grab-and-go type form!

a piece of protein cookie dough bark with flaky salt on top.
5 from 4 votes

Protein Cookie Dough Bark

This 5-ingredient protein cookie dough bark recipe is a quick and healthy snack that’s gluten-free and high in protein! It's easy to customize with different flavors and can easily be made vegan or low-carb. Store this protein cookie dough bark in the freezer for a quick, guilt-free snack anytime!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freezing Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or your favorite liquid sweetener
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

  • Mix together the almond flour, protein powder, coconut oil, and maple syrup in a bowl. Add in ½ cup of chocolate chips and mix again to combine.
  •  Line a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper, then place the cookie dough mixture on top of the parchment paper. Spread and flatten the mixture with your hands to form a large piece of cookie dough bark.
  • Melt the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips, then pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough bark. Spread the chocolate into an even layer, then place the bark in the freezer for at least one hour.
  • When ready to eat, remove the protein cookie dough bark from the freezer and either cut or break into large pieces. Enjoy right away and store leftover bark in the freezer for later!

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 357kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g