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- 1 cup cottage cheese, drained - 1/2 cup peanut butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup Cottage cheese is the star of these bars. It adds creaminess and protein. Peanut butter gives a rich taste and healthy fats. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the mix and keeps it moist. - 1 1/2 cups rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt Rolled oats provide a chewy texture. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and helps bind the bars. Baking powder gives them a slight rise, while salt enhances all the flavors. - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) These add-ins are fun! Mini chocolate chips bring sweetness and joy. Nuts add crunch and extra nutrients. You can mix and match based on your taste. Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of drained cottage cheese. Then, scoop in 1/2 cup of peanut butter. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Mix everything until it becomes smooth and creamy. In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of almond flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well mixed. This step is key for even taste and texture in your bars. Now, it's time to combine the two mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir well until everything is fully mixed. Then, fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts if you want them. Ensure they are evenly spread throughout the dough. Next, line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will help you remove the bars easily later. Pour the cookie dough mixture into the dish and press it down evenly with a spatula. Place the dish in the fridge and let it chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the bars set up nicely. Once firm, remove the bars using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh and tasty. To get the best texture, start with draining the cottage cheese. Place it in a fine mesh strainer. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step removes excess moisture and makes your bars firmer. When mixing, use a large bowl. Combine the drained cottage cheese, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. Blend until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and well combined. You can easily change the flavors of your bars. Want a nutty taste? Add walnuts or pecans. Prefer chocolate? Fold in extra mini chocolate chips. You can also try using different nut butters. Almond butter or cashew butter works well too. For a fun twist, add in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. This will add sweetness and texture. When it’s time to serve, present the bars nicely. Arrange them on a platter for a stunning look. Drizzle extra peanut butter or honey over the top. This adds a touch of elegance. You can also sprinkle a few chocolate chips or nuts on top. This makes each bite inviting. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up the peanut butter in this recipe. Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a change. If you want a different sweetener, use agave syrup or coconut sugar. These options will give you new flavors but keep the bars tasty. Want a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free rolled oats and almond flour. You can also make these bars vegan. Replace the honey with maple syrup. This keeps the bars sweet and friendly for everyone. Add some spice by mixing in cinnamon. Just a teaspoon can give your bars a warm taste. If you love dried fruit, throw in some raisins or cranberries. These will add sweetness and a chewy texture. You can also mix in seeds, like chia or flaxseeds, for extra nutrition. To keep your Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. I like to layer parchment paper between the bars. This prevents them from sticking together. Always keep them in the fridge, especially if you plan to eat them over a few days. These bars last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge. The moist texture helps them stay soft. Just check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. If they start to feel dry, it’s time to toss them. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Here’s how: 1. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. 2. Place parchment paper between each bar. This keeps them from sticking together. 3. Put the bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. 4. Label it with the date. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. 5. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, enjoy! Yes, you can make these bars without peanut butter. You can replace it with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options give a nice taste and texture. You can also use tahini for a nut-free version. Just keep in mind that these swaps may change the flavor a bit. To check if your bars are set, feel the top gently. It should feel firm, not gooey. You can also press lightly with your finger. If it springs back, they are ready. After refrigeration, they should hold their shape when cut. If they are still soft, let them chill longer. Using fresh cheese can change the bars' texture. Fresh cheese is usually creamier and may not set well. Cottage cheese gives a nice balance of creaminess and firmness. If you want to try fresh cheese, consider adding more oats for better structure. This blog post covered how to make delicious and healthy bars. We explored the main ingredients, including cottage cheese and peanut butter, along with dry ingredients like oats and almond flour. Step-by-step instructions showed how to mix, chill, and serve your bars. I shared tips for the best texture and customization ideas. Finally, we discussed storage and variations to keep things fresh. Try these methods, and enjoy tasty bars that fit your style!

Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Bars! These creamy and nutritious treats are easy to make, combining wholesome ingredients like cottage cheese, peanut butter, and oats for a guilt-free snack. Perfect for any time of the day, this recipe is a must-try! Click to explore the full recipe and learn how to create these delightful bars that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup cottage cheese, drained

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup almond flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

    In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

      Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully incorporated.

        Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

          Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

            Pour the cookie dough mixture into the prepared dish, pressing it down evenly with a spatula.

              Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

                Once chilled, remove the bars from the dish using the parchment paper, and cut them into squares or rectangles.

                  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the bars on a platter and drizzle with additional peanut butter or honey before serving for a decorative touch.